Beverages like coffee and cold drinks are the main culprit which produces acids in large quantities when consumed on an empty stomach. The intestine lining secretes juices as well as the required acids, but when such food properties enter the intestine, then major conflicts arise. Acids have toxic contents; generate harsh effects and ultimately produces refluxes with food taste towards the esophagus. In case your water levels are low in your body or you have consumed spicy food all day, then it is likely that you will suffer from acid reflux after a period of 2 to 3 hours. When such periodic acid reflux starts and occurs frequently then it leads to heartburn or chest pain. It is important to immediately consult a GERD expert for treatment of acid reflux disease. However, there are some tests which can be done to diagnose the intensity or degree of acid reflux disease.
Diagnosis of Acid Reflux
In case you have been suffering from the symptoms of acid reflux every two to three days, then you must consult a doctor. Chronic regurgitation or heartburn is not good for the heart as well as lungs. Several complications come in notice after suffering from severe and regular acid reflux disease.
Generally, the doctor asks questions and medical history of the patient regarding the symptoms to diagnose acid reflux disease. For example, how often you feel chest pain and burning sensation in the stomach? Do you burp suddenly and get food reflux? Are you unable to sleep straight at night? When a patient says yes, to all the mentioned questions, then it is clear that GERD is somewhere settling its roots inside the stomach as well as esophagus. Possible tests and advanced diagnoses for the stage of the disease are necessary for treating acid reflux disease.
What are the Tests Done for Diagnosing Acid Reflux Disease?
There are some vital check-ups needed for diagnosis of acid reflux disease, but for chronic sufferers of GERD, advanced tests need to be done. Given below are the tests for diagnosis of acid reflux disease.
Esophageal pH Monitor Test for Diagnosing Acid Reflux Disease
This test is conducted on the patient to monitor the acidity or alkaline properties of a solution ascertained in the esophagus lining. The acids from the stomach which refluxes now and then are monitored for 24 to 48 hours and then diagnosis is considered. Esophageal pH monitor test determines the effectiveness of the drugs which were earlier given to the patient to prevent acid reflux disease. What is causing chest pain and episodes of acidic refluxes occurrence is measured through this test.
In Esophageal pH monitor test there is a thin plastic catheter passed through the nostril or mouth down towards the esophagus. It has to be swallowed by the patient gradually so that it can reach its destination. There is a sensor attached to the tip of the catheter which reacts when comes in contact with the acids in the esophagus.
Diagnosing Acid Reflux Disease with Bravo Capsule
A new technology is now used to test and diagnose GERD or Acid Reflux Disease which is called bravo capsule. This capsule consists of an acid sensing device, a transmitter and a battery. Levels of acids are monitored and transmitted through the sensor. Again a catheter is used to reach the esophagus and stomach entrance. The patient is asked to wear the belt around his or her waist. After the capsule is introduced into the throat, then catheter is attached to esophagus lining with the help of a clip. Now, capsule is attached and catheter is detached slowly. In this process patient doesn’t have to carry the catheter for 24 hours back to home. It is removed once capsule reaches the place. All the study is being conducted by the capsule within 24 hours of time and later in 5 to 6 days the capsule automatically passes away through the stool as it cannot be used again.
Diagnosis of Acid Reflux Disease with Endoscopy
This is another major test conducted on a patient who is suffering from acid reflux disease. A flexible tube is attached with a camera on its head which is passed inside the esophagus. The doctor on the monitor screen takes pictures of the esophagus as well as the stomach to know the exact condition of the patient. This test is very significant for patients who are suspected to suffer from Barrett’s esophagus or abnormal growth in the throat. This entire test takes 2 to 3 minutes and at times may take a longer period if the acid reflux disease is acute.
Diagnosis of Acid Reflux Disease with Manometry Test
This is a type of test which is conducted to identify the problems with valve pressure and motility present in esophagus. The doctor conducts this test when they find the necessity to examine the lower esophageal valve. This is usually conducted when GERD surgery procedure is lined up.
Diagnosis of Acid Reflux Disease with BSR Test
Barium swallow radiograph is a test used to diagnose the exact condition of the acid reflux actions. This is a kind of x-ray procedure in which esophagus problems are examined deeply. Hence, this is a painless process where the patient is asked to swallow a solution called barium.
The Best Test for Diagnosing Acid Reflux Disease
Endoscopy:Out of three or four types of tests done in the world for acid reflux diagnosis, there is one sure shot test recommended by every doctor and that is Endoscopy. This is a painful procedure which may or may not leave scars in the esophageal lining. Some patients cannot swallow the flexible tube conveniently because of which they vomit or feel nauseous.
Final Thought on Acid Reflux Disease
The GERD or acid reflux disease in elders is more severe than young adults because they have fewer symptoms due to multiple health problems. Confusion in gas erosions, irregular bowel movements and diarrhea is sometimes confused with GERD and later it concludes to chronic acid reflux disease. In case, you are suffering from similar problems than immediately consult a specialist. Proper and prompt diagnosis of acid reflux disease goes a long way in treating and managing acid reflux disease, as if this condition is ignored, it can turn into something more serious.
Also Read:
- Acid Reflux During Pregnancy: Home Remedies and Lifestyle Changes
- Honey is an Excellent Home Remedy for Acid Reflux
- What Causes or Triggers an Acid Reflux?
- How to Avoid Acid Reflux During Holiday?
- How Long Does Acid Reflux Last & What are its Effects?
- Can Acid Reflux Cause Sore Throat?
- Soothing Foods for Acid Reflux|Natural Foods to Prevent Acid Reflux
