Information about GERD Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment options, and GERD Medication

For information on Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) visit: GERD-IBS.com.

Indications for Endoscopy in GERD

The is no agreed upon consensus on indication or contra-indications for performing endoscopy in patients with GERD. However, based on my clinical experience and recommendations from the ACG and ASGE, I use the following guidelines in my practice. Of course, individual cases may merit performance of endoscopy in patients who would not fall within these general guidelines.

Dysphagia to solids
eight loss and anorexia
Iron deficiency anemia and occult G.I. blood loss
Elderly patients with GERD symptoms
White males 40 years or older with heartburn (increased risk of Barrett’s esophagus)
Surveillance of Barrett’s patients to look for dysplasia and cancer
Patients with extra-esophageal manifestations of GERD (to possibly confirm GERD diagnosis by finding erosive esophagitis)
Patients with severe heartburn not responding to appropriate medical management.

This is an educational site created by M. Farivar, M.D. The information provided is the author's opinion based on years of clinical experience and research. You are advised to consult your own physician about the applicability of this information to your particular needs. Also, keep in mind that symptom response to therapy does not preclude the presence of more serious conditions.