Tests to find out if my baby has reflux

Reflux is a backflow of liquid in the direction opposite its normal movement, such as the regurgitation of stomach and peptic juices associated with acid indigestion and hiatal hernia.
A barium swallow or an upper-GI X ray can be used to diagnose reflux—if the child happens to reflux during the snapshot. A ragged esophageal lining is sometimes seen between episodes, and that would also be good evidence. A negative test doesn’t tell you anything, however.

A pH probe is more likely to find reflux if it is present. This test uses a probe that rests in the esophagus to detect acid that may slosh there through the course of an entire day. But some kids don’t slosh every day.
Looking directly at the esophageal lining (with a scope) is the most reliable way to detect reflux, but it is also the most invasive. This procedure usually involves snipping a tiny bit of lining to look at under a microscope.

Often the diagnosis of reflux is made based on the patient’s story and a physical exam alone. Improvement of symptoms with reflux treatment adds weight to this type of diagnosis.