Reflux medicine can help, but if you’re still experiencing heartburn, regurgitation, nausea, upper abdominal pain, or trouble swallowing, it’s wise to consult a healthcare provider. An upper endoscopy for reflux gives your gastroenterologist a clear view of your esophagus, stomach, and the first part of your small intestine to check for inflammation, narrowing, ulcers, or other possible causes. If medication lowers the acid but you’re still having symptoms, this procedure can help find out if there’s visible inflammation or another upper digestive issue at play.
Why Can Reflux Symptoms Continue Despite Medication?
Acid-reducing medicine lowers stomach acid, but it doesn’t explain every burning sensation, swallowing problem, or discomfort after eating. Your symptoms could also overlap with a hiatal hernia, inflammation, an ulcer, a swallowing disorder, or functional indigestion.
If you’re still rearranging meals, avoiding restaurants, or sleeping propped up even with treatment, it’s time to look beyond routine heartburn. At his Santa Monica and Beverly Hills offices, David P Yamini, MD, evaluates persistent GERD symptoms and other upper digestive concerns. He’s double board-certified in Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine.
What Can an Upper Endoscopy Find?
During an upper endoscopy, or EGD, your doctor guides a thin, flexible camera through your mouth to see your upper digestive tract. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases explains that doctors use this procedure to check out ongoing heartburn, vomiting, pain, or trouble swallowing.
An EGD may show:
- Inflammation in the esophagus or stomach
- A hiatal hernia or narrowed area
- Stomach or duodenal ulcers
- Areas where a tissue sample could help clarify the diagnosis
Your doctor may also take small tissue samples during the exam. These samples can give answers the camera alone can’t, especially if the lining looks normal, but your symptoms are still there.
Dr. Yamini performs upper endoscopy in Santa Monica and Beverly Hills when your symptoms and medical history suggest it’s the right step.
Does Everyone With Persistent Heartburn Need an EGD?
No. If your reflux symptoms are typical, you may improve without an endoscopy. Your gastroenterologist may recommend one if your symptoms continue despite treatment, swallowing gets harder, or the diagnosis isn’t clear.
An EGD lets your doctor see your upper digestive tract directly, but a normal exam doesn’t mean your symptoms aren’t real. You may need reflux monitoring, motility testing, or another type of evaluation. Cleveland Clinic also lists acid reflux and unexplained swallowing problems as reasons for an EGD.
FAQs About Upper Endoscopy for Reflux
Will I be awake during an upper endoscopy?
Most patients receive sedation to stay comfortable. You’ll need someone to drive you home after the procedure and should follow the prep instructions from the center.
Can an upper endoscopy be normal even if I still have reflux symptoms?
Yes. Even if your EGD is normal, it doesn’t rule out every cause of reflux-like symptoms. Your gastroenterologist may suggest other tests based on your history and how your symptoms show up.
Schedule an Upper Endoscopy Consultation in Santa Monica or Beverly Hills
If acid reflux that won’t go away, swallowing trouble, or ongoing upper abdominal discomfort keeps getting in the way of meals or sleep, reach out to David P Yamini, MD. We’ll help you decide if an upper endoscopy for reflux makes sense for your situation and talk through any other testing you might need.
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