Dedicated Care for Heartburn

GERD and Heartburn Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosing Heartburn

If you are experiencing reflux symptoms, it may mean the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) muscle in your esophagus is weak and allowing harmful acid and bile to enter the esophagus. The resulting burning sensation is heartburn. Over time, this acid and bile can wear away the esophagus lining, leading to inflammation and painful irritation.

A proper diagnostic test is the best way to identify the cause of any discomfort and choose the appropriate treatment plan. Diagnostic procedures available at Broward Health Coral Springs Heartburn Center include:

• pH testing is a painless procedure that requires no anesthesia. Over the course of 24 hours, it measures the material from the stomach that refluxes up into the esophagus, including gas, liquids, and solids. Patients record symptoms in a diary.
• Bravo 48-hour pH testing is similar to the 24-hour pH test but it only measures acid fluid. This test involves placing a pH capsule to the esophageal wall with the use of an endoscope. The procedure to place the capsule through an upper endoscopy is done under conscious sedation.
• Esophageal manometry is used to assess the pressure and motor function of the esophagus to evaluate how well the muscles move food into the stomach. It diagnoses symptoms often confused with reflux and only takes 15-20 minutes.
• Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)/Upper GI endoscopy involves a scope with a camera to view the inner lining of the esophagus and stomach. While it cannot detect GERD, it can identify pouches, narrowing ulcers, and tumors. Specialists can remove a portion of the lining to check for inflammation or cancerous cells.
• Barium swallow is an X-ray test that looks closely at the back of the mouth, throat (pharynx), and esophagus. Patients swallow barium, which absorbs X-rays and looks white on film, helping diagnose gastrointestinal tract disorders.
• Computed tomography (CT) scans use X-ray equipment and computer processing to produce two-dimensional images of the body. These images allow physicians to look for tumors and examine lymph nodes and bone abnormalities.
• Radiofrequency ablation uses radiofrequency energy, or heat, from a special device on an endoscope to remove abnormal or unwanted cells in the esophagus.