• Barium swallow - This is an X-ray test that outlines the esophagus.

• Cardiac evaluation - People who have chest pain may also need an electrocardiogram (EKG) and an exercise stress test to check for heart disease.

• Esophageal manometry or motility studies - These tests can check the squeezing motion of your esophagus is when you are swallowing.

• Esophageal pH monitoring - This test uses electrodes to measure the pH (acid level) in the esophagus, usually over a 24-hour period.

Expected Duration

Without treatment, GERD is typically a long-term problem. In fact, studies have shown that the average person with GERD has symptoms for one to three years before seeing a doctor. Symptoms may be relieved within the first day of treatment, but for many patients, several weeks of treatment are needed before symptoms lessen noticeably or go away.

Treatment often has to continue for a long period. Four or more years from the start of symptoms, more than three out of four people with reflux continue to have symptoms, and most of these people take medication daily.