The doctor or nurse will talk with you about your child's symptoms, do a physical examination and may recommend tests to determine if reflux is the cause of symptoms. Often however, treatment is sometimes started without the need for any tests.
The Upper GI Series X-Ray
Barium (a chalky drink) is swallowed, and X-rays show the shape of the esophagus and stomach. This test can find a hiatal hernia, blockage and other problems that might mimic reflux.
After the patient is given a sedative medication so he or she is asleep, a small flexible tube with a tiny camera is inserted through the mouth and down into the esophagus and stomach. The lining of the esophagus, stomach and small intestine can be examined, and biopsies (small pieces of the lining) can be painlessly obtained. The biopsies can later be examined with a microscope, looking for inflammation and other problems.
Esophageal pH Probe
A thin light wire with an acid sensor at its tip is inserted through the nose into the lower part of the esophagus. The probe then detects and records the amount of stomach acid coming back up into the esophagus when the child has symptoms such as crying, arching or coughing.