Acid reflux happens when stomach acid backflows into the esophagus. The result is discomfort and burning in the chest and stomach.
It's tricky to deal with acid reflux, especially when over-the-counter treatments and lifestyle modifications don’t work. At that point, it’s time to consider an upper endoscopy at Gateway Gastroenterology.
Our team of gastroenterology and hepatology specialists provides diagnostic tools, including an upper endoscopy, to help diagnose issues like acid reflux, swallowing disorders, and Celiac disease.
An upper endoscopy is a medical procedure that utilizes an endoscope to visualize the upper portion of the GI tract. We use it to diagnose and treat upper GI conditions.
During an upper endoscopy, you're asleep, so you don’t feel anything. The endoscope is a flexible tube with a small camera on the end that allows the doctor to visualize your GI tract. We insert it into your mouth and down into the esophagus and stomach.
While the endoscope is in the upper GI tract, we look for abnormalities and can take tissue samples if necessary. Some of the abnormalities we look for are inflammation, tumors, and ulcers.
The endoscope transmits images onto a screen for viewing. We take pictures with the camera to show you what could be causing bothersome symptoms such as burning from acid reflux.
Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a common issue that leads to burning in the throat and esophagus. It’s very bothersome and can persist despite diet changes and over-the-counter treatments.
When you’re dealing with acid reflux that’s resistant to noninvasive treatments, an upper endoscopy is a diagnostic tool that helps us address your symptoms. We can see if acid reflux has damaged any part of the upper GI tract and treat the issue.
Although an endoscopy isn’t the first line of treatment for acid reflux, it’s necessary when you're unable to control symptoms through lifestyle changes and noninvasive treatments.
We also use an upper endoscopy to evaluate the progression of the disease and whether treatments are working. We also utilize it to assess for complications like Barrett's esophagus, a rare condition that increases your risk for esophageal cancer.
Because it’s a diagnostic tool, not a treatment, an upper endoscopy can’t cure acid reflux. Still, it does provide helpful information to treat the condition properly. The procedure can tell us what’s causing your reflux so we can effectively offer treatments to help.
During an upper endoscopy, we can dilate the esophagus or perform biopsies that help us focus on the proper treatment. Other endoscopic procedures modify the gastroesophageal junction — where the esophagus meets the stomach — to lessen acid reflux, but they don’t cure the condition.
Acid reflux is an ongoing medical issue that requires specific lifestyle changes and treatments. Although an upper endoscopy is part of a successful treatment plan, it’s not a cure.
We utilize the information we get from the upper endoscopy to give you lifestyle tips and diet changes that reduce acid reflux symptoms. The procedure also allows us to know what medications may work best to control your reflux.
Call or message Gateway Gastroenterology today to schedule an appointment for an upper endoscopy. We have offices in St. Louis, Ballwin, Des Peres, and Chesterfield, Missouri.