Diagnosis: 24 hour pH monitoring
This test is the gold standard to diagnose GERD. This measures the amount of acid in the esophagus and records the reflux episodes. This is done over 24 hours to test in different conditions like sleeping, eating and in various positions of body.
A very small tube (catheter) is inserted through the nose till the stomach. It records data while you do your routine activity.
Time: 24 hours; Risks: Minimal