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Endoscopy: What can a doctor see?

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GERD & Acid Reflux
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Posted 12/31/2011 5:03 PM (GMT 0)
Can a doctor determine if there is a problem with either of the stomach valves (LES or UES)??

Post Edited (kevinla) : 12/31/2011 10:08:01 AM (GMT-7)

Posted 12/31/2011 5:18 PM (GMT 0)
I think if the problem is bad, they can. I've seen pictures of the scope and how the LES folds around that at rest - that determines how bad the LES is. If the LES folds up comfortably around it - it is normal. If there is some space left there - then it is not and so on
Posted 1/1/2012 5:38 PM (GMT 0)
I have read and been told by my allergy doctor that 50% of the people with reflux will look normal with an endoscopy. The reason is laying down on the table and an empty stomach change the environment.
Posted 1/1/2012 6:44 PM (GMT 0)
I can believe that Tandem - I have had 2 endoscopies, one normal, one not, and my symptoms were identical even when things were normal to look at. I have food allergies but have been told my acid reflux is unrelated.

A hernia can also be visible on the scope. If you have one planned, make sure they test for coeliac disease and Helicobacter at the same time.

MMM
Posted 1/1/2012 7:43 PM (GMT 0)
A much better and non-invasive test is the barium swallow. The stomach can be seen as the barium drink is swallowed. It's not a perfect test in that the stomach is empty, but at least the doc gets views from different positions, and it's pretty good at showing hiatal hernias.

Beware of barium if you have food allergies. It's not the barium itself, but it's nearly impossible to find the drink today without flavors and sweeteners - no matter what the doc says! I react to those two items, was told they weren't in it, needed Benadryl which I keep with me just for this type emergency.
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