Does the doctor actually see "reflux" during an endoscopy?

During an endoscopy, can the GI doctor actually see reflux happening while he doing the procedure?  Does anyone know?

Hi there

It's unlikely they will be able to see any actual reflux during an endoscopy as you have to fast beforehand and your stomach should be empty. They can see signs of damage from reflux that has already occurred - e.g. oesophagitis or Barretts (the latter may only be detectable by biopsy -not always visible to the naked eye).

A barium swallow can show refluxate travelling back up but it doesn't seem to be used to establish a diagnosis of GERD.

Hope that helps,

MMM