GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX RESULTS AFTERCARE

gastroesophageal reflux Aftercare
Upper endoscopy
After an upper endoscopy, a friend or relative should drive the patient home because of the lingering effects of the sedative.

Other esophageal scans
There are no special aftercare instructions for patients who have had ambulatory esophageal pH monitoring, barium esophagography, or esophageal manometry. gastroesophageal reflux Risks
Upper endoscopy
Patients sometimes feel as if they are choking as the doctor passes the endoscope down the throat. This feeling is uncommon, however, if the patient has been given a sedative.

Ambulatory esophageal pH monitoring
There are no common complications following this test.

Barium esophagography
Constipation after the test is an infrequent side effect that is treated by giving the patient a laxative.

Esophageal manometry
Complications following this test are very rare.

gastroesophageal reflux Normal results
Upper endoscopy
An upper endoscopy documents the condition of the mucous lining of the lower esophagus and upper stomach, thus allowing the doctor to evaluate the progression of GERD.

Ambulatory esophageal pH monitoring
Measurements of pH are used to evaluate the degree of GERD.

Barium esophagography
Barium esophagography can detect many structural and functional abnormalities, including the presence of acid reflux, inflammation, tissue masses, or strictures in the esophagus.

Esophageal manometry
This test documents the ability of the esophageal sphincter to close adequately and keep the contents of the stomach from flowing backward into the esophagus.

Health care team roles
A family physician, pediatrician, internist, or cardiologist usually makes the initial diagnosis of GERD. A gastroenterologist usually performs the tests required for diagnosis. A radiology technologist performs the barium esophagography and a radiologist interprets it.