Acid Reflux in Children - Diagnosis

If your baby is healthy and growing well, the doctor may make a diagnosis of reflux on a parent's description of symptoms and feeding history, and a physical exam alone. Many, if not most, cases of reflux in infants are diagnosed without the need for any testing. However, your baby's doctor may order tests if he or she suspects a more serious condition, such as GERD.

Your child's doctor may base a diagnosis of acid reflux on your child's symptoms and a physical examination. The doctor may also order tests to verify the diagnosis, or to determine if a more serious condition, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is the cause of the reflux.

Your child's doctor may base a diagnosis of acid reflux on your child's symptoms, a physical examination, and your child's response to medical treatment. For example, if your child's symptoms improve after treating proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), then it's probably GERD. If your child's symptoms do not improve, the doctor may order tests to determine if the diagnosis is indeed GERD as the cause of the reflux.