Reflux Diagnosis With Upper Endoscopy
Posted: Sep 14 in Diagnosing GERD by Staff
If you’re suffering from symptoms of heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), your doctor must perform a special procedure to determine exactly what is causing the discomfort. This test is called an upper endoscopy. While the procedure is sometimes used in emergency situations to discover the cause of bleeding or blockage, it is most often used diagnostically. The procedure is common and very accurate.
You may require an upper endoscopy if you have symptoms like severe heartburn, chest or stomach pain or vomiting. Your doctor will need to find out if your experiences are caused by GERD or by other issues like ulcers.
Before the procedure, you’ll follow strict directions from your doctor before being given anesthetic and a sedative to make the procedure more comfortable. During the procedure, your doctor will insert a thin probe into your mouth and down your esophagus. The probe, called an endoscope, is very thin. It will not block your airway.
The endoscope gives your doctor an accurate look at the inside of your stomach and your esophagus. After recovery, your GERD specialist will share the results and will let you know what treatments are necessary. At Palmyra Surgical, specialists are pioneering surgical treatment for GERD. Other options may include special medications and lifestyle changes.
Before the procedure, you’ll follow strict directions from your doctor before being given anesthetic and a sedative to make the procedure more comfortable. During the procedure, your doctor will insert a thin probe into your mouth and down your esophagus. The probe, called an endoscope, is very thin. It will not block your airway.
The endoscope gives your doctor an accurate look at the inside of your stomach and your esophagus. After recovery, your GERD specialist will share the results and will let you know what treatments are necessary. At Palmyra Surgical, specialists are pioneering surgical treatment for GERD. Other options may include special medications and lifestyle changes.