How is GERD diagnosed?

    Researchedby:
    Gabrielle Fundaro, Brady Holmer

    Fact-checked

    by:

    Morgan Pfiffner, Shyam Jayaraman
    Last Updated: November 15, 2023

    GERD can be diagnosed based on symptoms, but in some cases a diagnosis might involve referral to a gastroenterologist for further testing. These tests allow the gastroenterologist to observe the tissues of the esophagus (with an upper endoscopy), measure the pH (acidity) of the esophagus, or watch the esophageal sphincter in action (with a barium swallow).[1][2]