For those with reflux, there is some new information.

New, updated guidelines for esophageal reflux testing appear in The American Journal of Gastroenterology. Developed and approved by the American College of Gastroenterology, the guidelines summarize advances in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) diagnostic testing and how they have modified the clinical management of esophageal disorders, according to a press release..

"Gastroenterologists are confronted with an increasing number of patients presenting symptoms of GERD that are unresponsive to drug therapy," said lead author Dr. Ikuo Hirano. "These patients may have typical reflux symptoms of heartburn and regurgitation but also may complain of chest pain, asthma, chronic cough and chronic laryngitis."

A confusing list of symptoms, coupled with the fact that many of these patients do not have visible esophageal erosions, makes diagnosis and treatment of GERD a challenge, the study said. Furthermore, non-gastrointestinal entities, such as cardiac or pulmonary disease, may produce symptoms that are similar to those attributable to GERD, according to a press release.

Some new technologies offer opportunities for more accurate diagnoses.

"Wireless capsule pH monitoring, bile acid reflux monitoring devices and esophageal impedance can all improve the detection of reflux," said Hirano.

These technologies have helped gastroenterologists to discover new forms of reflux, and to better characterize traditional acid reflux, the press release said.

All technologies have limitations, and the new guidelines highlight these as well. In addition, recommendations on the clinical applications of esophageal reflux testing are presented.

This study is published in The American Journal of Gastroenterology.