Most people are diagnosed with GORD by their GP on the basis of their typical symptoms and their response to treatment. Further tests may be needed if:

• Symptoms are severe
• Do not improve with treatment
• Are not typical of GORD
• There are any red flag symptoms

If further investigation is required a gastroscopy is usually the next step. This is where a thin, flexible telescope is passed down the oesophagus into the stomach. A normal test helps to rule out more serious causes of reflux symptoms, particularly stomach cancer.