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Doctors can usually tell whether you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) by listening to what you say about your symptoms.

Your doctor will want to know how long you've had your symptoms, how often you get them and whether you've noticed anything that triggers them. For example, if you have heartburn, you may find it gets worse when you bend forward or lie down, or after you've eaten.

The most common symptoms of GERD are heartburn and the feeling that acid or bits of food are coming back up into your throat or mouth (regurgitation).

Most people get heartburn once in a while. But if you have heartburn or acid coming back up into your throat or mouth at least twice a week, you probably have GERD.¹ If you don't have any other symptoms, there may be no reason for you to have any tests.

You may be prescribed medication right away. If your symptoms get better while you are taking this medication, there's a good chance that the diagnosis is right.^{1 2}

Your doctor may decided to do some tests if:^{3 4}

• You've had symptoms for more than 10 years
• Your symptoms don't get better when you take medication
• You have a hard time swallowing
• You are losing weight even though you're eating as much as usual
• You've been vomiting blood
• You've had black or bloody stools
• You have chest pain or a feeling of choking.

These symptoms could be a sign of a more serious problem, such as an ulcer in your esophagus or a blocked esophagus.

Your doctor may also suggest that you have tests to make sure there's nothing else that could be causing your symptoms. For example, if you have chest pain (one of the less common symptoms of GERD), your doctor may run some tests to check whether you have a heart problem.⁵ And you may be offered tests if you are 55 or older.

Unfortunately, there isn't just one test that can prove you have GERD.

To learn more, see Tests for GERD.

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment. ©BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2008. All rights reserved.