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Investigation

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

In practice a young patient with longstanding typical symptoms does not require investigation.

Investigation should be considered if the following features are present:

  • atypical symptoms
  • dysphagia
  • short duration of symptoms in patient over 55 yr
  • weight loss

The investigation of GORD consists of one, or a combination, of the following:

  • endoscopy:
    • the most common initial investigation
    • can exclude other causes or dysphagia such as carcinoma
    • is normal in up to 65% of cases
  • symptoms requiring urgent referral of patients for endoscopy are (1):
    • gastrointestinal bleeding
    • iron deficiency anaemia
    • progressive unintentional weight loss
    • progressive difficulty swallowing
    • persistent vomiting
    • epigastric mass on palpation
    • suspicious barium meal result or other suspicious imaging result
  • factors requiring consideration of referral of patients for endoscopy include (1) :
    • previous gastric ulcer
    • previous gastric surgery
    • non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use
    • pernicious anaemia
    • family history of gastric cancer
  • barium radiology:
    • may be used, particularly if a diagnosis of erosive oesophagitis is being considered
  • 24 hour oesophageal pH monitoring:
    • particularly useful if a link between symptoms and acid reflux needs establishing

Reference:


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The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

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