Aren't there any tests for heartburn?

If it is obvious from your symptoms that you have heartburn, you may not need to undergo any tests or an extensive exam. You may be advised about lifestyle modifications, diet, or medications to begin immediately.

If your provider is not sure about your diagnosis, you may have to undergo some tests. This is true especially if you have already been prescribed medications that are not relieving your heartburn.

There is no simple blood test for heartburn. The tests used to diagnose heartburn include the following:

• Upper GI (gastrointestinal) endoscopy: While you are lightly sedated, a thin tube is passed down your esophagus. The tube has a light and a tiny camera on the end. The camera sends pictures of your esophagus to a video monitor. The doctor can then see how much damage has been done to the esophagus from stomach acid. The endoscopy also shows other causes of heartburn, such as infection, and whether you have any complications of heartburn, such as bleeding. Some problems can actually be treated with the endoscope.
  
  
• Upper GI series: An upper GI series is a series of x-rays of your chest and abdomen taken after you swallow a liquid that coats the inside of your esophagus and stomach. This liquid provides contrast so that any problems are easier to see.
  
  
• Esophageal manometry: An esophageal manometry test measures the strength of the LES and the contraction movement of the esophagus after a swallow. This test usually is done if an upper GI endoscopy shows nothing abnormal but you continue to have pain.
  
  
• 24-hour pH monitoring: This test measures the strength of your stomach acid. A very thin tube is passed through your nose into your esophagus and left in place for the next 24 hours. During this period, the test measures the amount of acid back-up that occurs while you go about your regular activities, including eating. The newest version of this test uses a tiny capsule to measure acid back-up. The doctor uses an endoscope to attach the bean-sized capsule to your esophagus. The capsule measures pH levels and delivers readings by radio wave to a receiver you wear on your belt. After about 48 hours, the capsule detaches and passes harmlessly through your digestive system.