How is GERD in infants and children diagnosed?
Usually, parents provide enough details for the doctor to make a diagnosis. Sometimes, however, further tests are recommended. They include: • Barium swallow or upper GI series. This is a special X-ray test that uses barium to highlight the esophagus, stomach and upper part of the small intestine. This test may identify certain problems such as any obstructions or narrowing in these areas. • pH probe. This is currently considered the best test to diagnose reflux, but it does not always manage to detect the disease. In this test, a thin tube with a probe at the tip is placed through the nose into the esophagus. The tip, usually positioned at the lower part of the esophagus, measures levels of stomach acids. The frequency of reflux is monitored over a prolonged period of time, usually 24 hours. • Upper GI endoscopy. During this test the doctor uses an endoscope (a thin, flexible lighted tube) to look directly inside the esophagus, stomach and upper part of the small intestine. Pinch biop
