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Diagnosing acid reflux is no easy thing. It’s hard to track down for even the
most experienced doctor or hospital consultant. The fact remains however that
tests do exist that can accurately diagnose whether or not you actually have
acid reflux in the first place. These take the form of x-rays and examinations
of the throat and larynx.
Before modern medicine had the convenience of using cameras that can be
swallowed (endoscopes) the world of medicine relied on things like x-rays to
test for the presence of acid reflux. An esophagram, or an x-ray of the
esophagus, required the patient to swallow barium (a metallic substance similar
to calcium) that would provide a contrasting color to show any differences in
the lining of the esophagus. Whilst this test seems sound in principle it didn’t
take into account people who suffered from acid reflux but who exhibited no
damage to the lining of the esophagus itself. Based on this point correct
diagnosis of acid reflux with barium x-rays can be quite limited.
Another way for doctors to identity the existence of acid reflux is to employ
the same process used by ENT (ear nose throat) doctors in examining the throat
or larynx (voicebox). By using acid-depressing medications an ENT specialist can
try to confirm the presence of acid reflux in the patient – or not for that
matter. Again this is not the most solid diagnosis possible and is open to
misinterpretation and error – human reactions are so varied that it can make
life very difficult for doctors.
As we said at the start acid reflux is not easy to diagnose but at least now
you’re more familiar with the methods that can be used in search of this very
elusive condition.
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Source by Jill Seimer