YOUR DOCTOR CAN NORMALLY DIAGNOSE GORD FROM THE SYMPTOMS ALONE
The most common symptoms of GORD are heartburn and regurgitation. If you have these 'classic' symptoms, your doctor will likely suggest a trial of medication; usually a proton pump inhibitor (PPI).3,7
In patients who respond to this medication, in the absence of alarm features or symptoms, no further workup is required.7 However, your doctor may arrange for further investigations to confirm suspected GORD diagnoses.7
ONE OF THE FOLLOWING TESTS MAY BE RECOMMENDED
UPPER ENDOSCOPYM
During an endoscopy, a narrow, flexible tube with a light and camera at the end is passed through the mouth into the oesophagus, stomach, and small intestine. The camera displays magnified images on a monitor. This allows the doctor to see if there is any damage to the lining of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, and samples of tissue (biopsies) can be taken to determine the extent of tissue damage.3,7
The procedure may be uncomfortable but is not generally painful.8 You should not need to stay in hospital overnight, but you may need someone else to drive you home.8
OESOPHAGEAL PH STUDY
Also known as ambulatory pH monitoring, is the most direct way to measure the frequency of acid reflux.3,7 The test involves inserting a thin tube with a sensor (that measures acidity) through the nose and into the oesophagus. The tube is usually left in place for 24 hours, while you keep track of symptoms, meals, and sleep in a diary.3,9
Wires inside the tube send information about acid in your oesophagus to a recorder, which your doctor will compare with your diary.9 Wireless monitoring of acid in your oesophagus is also possible via a radio capsule, which measures the acid in your oesophagus.9
This test may be used to confirm a diagnosis of GORD if you continue to have symptoms, especially if you have tried taking a PPI. It can also be used to monitor how well treatment is working.3
OESOPHAGEAL MANOMETRY
This test involves having a tube that measures the pressure from the muscle contractions placed in your oesophagus. This can help to determine if the lower oesophageal sphincter is functioning properly. It may be done if you have chest pain and/or difficulty swallowing despite normal upper endoscopy results are normal; this can help diagnose motility disorders.3
Note: It is important to rule out potentially life-threatening problems that can cause symptoms similar to those of GORD. For example, chest pain can also be a symptom of heart disease and should be evaluated immediately.3
ASK YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT ADCOCK INGRAM'S PRESCRIPTION TREATMENT FOR GORD
If you suffer from heartburn and regurgitation on 2 or more days per week, or these symptoms are troublesome enough to affect your daily life, you could be diagnosed with GORD.5 Please visit your doctor.
