Most of us are aware of the usual problems of acid reflux, but it may take the doctor to do some testing to determine if there could be an organic problem causing it. If there is no change after altering diets and lifestyle, the doctor may suggest one of the following procedures to determine the cause.

These tests are invasive procedures involving insertion of tubes into your food pipe to observe and analyze your information over a period of time.

The 24-Hour Esophageal Ph Test, and the 48-Hour Bravo Esophageal pH test, recommended by the Cleveland Clinic Foundation involve the insertion of a tube through your nose that is pushed way down so as to be near the Esophageal Sphincter muscle, the kingpin in this Acid Reflux Saga. .

This small tube with its acid monitoring device on the end passes gently through the nose, down the food tube or esophagus and stops about 2 inches above the lower esophageal sphincter. The tube is then taped to the side of your face with the end coming from your nose attached to a portable recorder worn on a belt or on the shoulder. This recorder has buttons to let you record certain conditions.

You then follow certain food and medication restrictions prior to testing. During the test which lasts 24 hours, you avoid showers but record mealtimes and foods as well as resting times. Certain symptoms can be recorded on the recorder by pressing the appropriate buttons. A nurse will remove the recorder at the end of the time and the information is downloaded into a computer for a doctor to review and begin your treatment.

The Esophageal Manometry Test is less traumatic, time wise, and consists of inserting a tiny, pressure-sensitive tube through your nose - or sometimes your mouth , into your esophagus. There, it measures the effects of muscle contractions as you swallow. This tells the doctor about how well your muscles involved in the digestion process, function.

An x- ray or endoscope may also help your doctor to see if there could be an obstruction that is impeding digestion. This works by observing with a scope light.

Once the doctor has confirmed that there is no physiological cause of your Acid Reflux, like narrowing of the food pipe, scarring of the food pipe, or an undefined suspicious growth where one should not exist, it is time to start thinking of medications and long-term lifestyle issues.