Understanding Esophagitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

3. What Tests Might Be Done?

In most cases, tests will not be needed as the diagnosis is easy if you have the typical symptoms. Most people diagnosed with esophagitis will also be diagnosed with heartburn and treated accordingly. Tests tend to be ordered for severe cases or cases that do not respond well to treatment. Your physician may order a gastroscopy or endoscopy test. An endoscopy is where a thin and flexible telescope tube is slid down from the throat to the stomach, allowing the doctor to visually inspect the affected areas. Your doctor may also order tests to rule out other conditions such as a chest X-ray or heart tracings. There is also a test to check the acidity inside of the esophagus that may be ordered.