How is esophagitis diagnosed?

How is esophagitis diagnosed?

Once your doctor has performed a thorough physical examination and reviewed your medical history, there are several tests that can be used to diagnose esophagitis. These include:

• Endoscopy: A long, flexible lighted tube called an endoscope is used to look at the esophagus.
• Biopsy: A small sample of the esophageal tissue is removed and sent to a laboratory to be examined under a microscope.
• Barium X-ray: X-rays are taken of the esophagus after the patient drinks a barium solution. Barium coats the lining of the esophagus and is visible on X-ray. This enables doctors to view abnormalities of the esophagus.