How Does a Doctor Test for Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux is a common issue that most people will struggle with at some point in their life. This issue occurs when the tube separating the esophagus and stomach doesn’t properly close and allows stomach acid to go back up into the esophagus. This can cause pain, irritation, and even burning in your throat. If you deal with acid reflux once or twice, you likely don’t need treatment. When acid reflux occurs regularly, it’s important to talk to your ENT doctor about solutions. Dr. Robert Youkillis, Dr. Jeffrey Beach, and Dr. Seth Bruggers at Northside ENT in Carmel, IN, can explain how they test for acid reflux and how it is then treated.

Testing for Acid Reflux

Typically, our ENT doctor in Carmel, IN, may not need to test for acid reflux. There are many symptoms that may lead to acid reflux. This could include:

• Heartburn
• Regurgitation
• Belching
• Bitter taste in the mouth
• Hoarseness
• Difficulty breathing
• Coughing frequently
• Burning or throat soreness

These symptoms can also point to other issues so our ENT doctor may want to test after all. One of the most common ways to check for acid reflux is with an upper endoscopy. Using a thin, flexible tube, your ENT doctor will go down your esophagus and check for signs of acid reflux. They’ll make sure that your symptoms aren’t being caused by something more severe and determine what the best treatment might be.

Often, our ENT doctor may recommend lifestyle changes to help relieve signs of acid reflux. This might mean losing weight, limiting alcohol, eating smaller meals more frequently, and avoiding eating or drinking within two to three hours before lying down. Your doctor may also need to prescribe medication to deal with your pain.

Contact Our ENT Doctor Today

Find out how you can reduce your acid reflux symptoms. Contact Dr. Robert Youkillis, Dr. Jeffrey Beach, and Dr. Seth Bruggers at Northside ENT in Carmel, IN, to see if testing for acid reflux is needed. Call for more information today at (317) 844-5656.