How is GERD diagnosed?

Doctors can often diagnose GERD (gastro-esophageal reflux disease) based on its typical symptoms. An examination of the inside of the stomach using endoscopy or the measurement of pH levels in the lower esophagus can also be carried out to confirm the diagnosis.
A lot of people have heartburn after large meals. Occasional acid reflux is normal too. This is where stomach contents flow back up (regurgitate) into your throat and mouth. But very frequent, severe heartburn or acid reflux can be a sign of gastro-esophageal reflux disease, or GERD for short. In GERD, some of the stomach contents flow back into the food pipe because the opening to the stomach doesn't close properly.
It is usually typical symptoms like these that make people seek medical advice. Sometimes people have an examination because of other symptoms, and then discover by chance that their food pipe is inflamed. The food pipe can become inflamed if the mucous membranes lining it are repeatedly exposed to acidic stomach juices.