How are esophageal disorders diagnosed?

How are esophageal disorders diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will evaluate your symptoms and perform a physical exam. They may feel your neck while you swallow.

Diagnostic tests for esophageal disorders include:

• Upper endoscopy examines the upper part of the digestive tract using a long, thin scope. Your provider may also take tissue samples to biopsy and look for signs of inflammation, cancer and other diseases.
• Gastrointestinal X-rays (barium swallow) use imaging to see how a liquid barium solution flows through the esophagus and digestive tract.
• Esophageal manometry measures how well the muscles in your esophagus and lower esophageal sphincter work as you swallow a liquid.
• Esophageal pH test measures the amount of stomach acid (pH levels) in your esophagus.