How is esophagitis diagnosed?

Esophagitis is typically diagnosed through a combination of physical examination, endoscopy and biopsy. During the physical examination, your doctor may listen to your chest with a stethoscope for signs of inflammation in the esophagus or other issues that may be causing your symptoms.

Endoscopy is an important diagnostic procedure used to visualize the inside of the esophagus directly. A thin, flexible tube with a camera on one end (an endoscope) is carefully passed through your throat so that changes inside can be examined closely. Biopsies may also be taken during an endoscopy to analyze tissue samples under a microscope or tested for certain bacteria and viruses if needed.

In addition to these diagnostic procedures, blood tests can be performed to measure acid levels in the body as well as special tests like pH impedance testing which allow doctors to measure how much acid moves from within the stomach up into the lower part of your esophagus over time. Imaging studies such as X-ray and ultrasound are also sometimes used by doctors when making a diagnosis for esophagitis as well.