Diagnostic evaluation in gastroesophageal reflux disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) describes the clinical manifestation s of reflux of gastric contents and the associated symptoms and patterns of tissue injury. Although its exact prevalence is difficult to determine, th ere is no doubt the GERD is the most common esophageal disease and probably among the most prevalent conditions seen in the primary care setting. GERD has a wide clinical spectrum, making the diagnostic evaluation challenging and complicated at times. Confirmatory test are rarely needed in patients with typical symptoms of heartburn or regurgitation who have a good clinica l response to GERD therapy. This article describes the diagnostic tests nec essary for some cases of GERD.