Acid Reflux Diagnosis

If you suffer from heartburn or other symptoms of acid reflux on a regular basis or experience severe symptoms, or your symptoms are worse despite taking antacids or H2 blockers, it’s important to see your health-care provider for an evaluation. Also see your physician if you’re experiencing any of the following:

• food feels stuck going down and it is hard to swallow
• your symptoms grow worse
• you lose weight without trying
• you have unexplained and ongoing coughing or wheezing

Diagnosing acid reflux is the first step to controlling uncomfortable or severe symptoms and preventing further damage to the esophagus. Your physician will take several factors into account when making a diagnosis. He or she will perform a routine physical exam and will ask you questions about your specific symptoms.

If your infant frequently spits up or vomits (regurgitates) and these symptoms continue past the age of 18 months, your baby may have the more persistent form of acid reflux, GERD, and should be evaluated by your pediatrician