a description of your symptoms may be all a doctor requires to diagnose heartburn but sometimes additional testing may be necessary. the esophagus can be viewed through an endoscope a long thin flexible tube inserted through the mouth or by x-ray. sometimes your doctor may recommend a 24-hour esophageal ph probe study especially if you have unusual symptoms such as throat or chest or abdominal pain; coughing; or asthma-like symptoms. in this test a long narrow flexible tube is inserted through the nose down into the esophagus and a probe is left there for 24 hours. this probe detects acid levels to determine if it correlates with your symptoms. a newer technique (called bravo) measures 24-hour acid; it is done using wireless ph sensors which eliminates the need for a tube insertion. to detect if your heart is the cause of your symptoms an electrocardiogram a recording of the heart's electrical activity may be taken.
how do i know if i have heartburn?