Heartburn may be diagnosed by a physician during a physical examination that includes a medical history and list of medications. Patients may be referred to a gastroenterologist, which is a physician that specializes in the function and disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. Not all patients with infrequent heartburn consult a physician for diagnosis.

Heartburn is often diagnosed after a patient describes the symptoms that are being experienced. Tests may be performed, particularly if a physician suspects that heartburn has damaged the esophagus or other organs. Tests may include:

• Endoscopy.  One of the most common tests used to evaluate the esophagus. A small tube with a light and camera (endoscope) is inserted into the esophagus, stomach and small intestine. This allows a physician to determine whether tissue damage is present. Samples of tissues may be taken (biopsy) to determine the extent of the damage.
  

  

• Barium swallow (upper GI series). A test in which an x-ray is taken after liquid barium is ingested. This can detect abnormalities and sometimes inflammation of the esophagus (esophagitis).
  
  
• Esophageal pH monitoring. This involves passing a thin tube through the nose and into the esophagus. The tube is attached to a small monitoring device and is worn for 24 hours. The device records how much stomach acid reaches the esophagus. The patient records symptoms experienced during the 24-hour period and the physician compares acid levels with symptoms.
  
  
• Esophageal manometry. This involves a device similar to the pH monitor that measures muscle contractions to determine whether the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is functioning properly.