If you're having treatment for GERD, then your doctor will probably have started you on medication to see if they can control or fix the problem. They may also have recommended some lifestyle changes to try to reduce the amount of acid reflux you have.

In some cases, doctors also recommend that GERD patients have an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) procedure. Here, your doctor puts a small camera down your throat so that they can take a closer look at your esophagus and stomach.

Why do you need an EGD?

Your GERD Isn't Getting Better

Medication and lifestyle changes help many people control their acid reflux problems. Some manage to eliminate the condition completely; others get it under control enough so that it doesn't impact their everyday lives.

However, these solutions won't work for every patient. If your meds aren't working, and your GERD doesn't improve or gets worse, then your doctor may want to investigate further. The best way to do this is to take a closer look at the areas of your body that may be causing the problem or that are most affected by it.

For example, an EGD might show that you have burns from the stomach acid that is coming up into your esophagus. Or, you might have an ulcer. The ulcer may be at the root of the problem, or it may have flared up because of the problems you're having with acid reflux.

In either case, you'll feel better if your doctor can treat anything else they find during this procedure. The exam may also give your doctor a better idea of how to treat your particular problems.

You Have Other Symptoms

While GERD isn't a serious condition for most people, it is occasionally a sign of more concern. Your doctor may ask you to have an EGD if you display other symptoms as well as those traditionally associated with persistent or severe heartburn.

This is an option if you're losing a lot of weight for no obvious reason. Or, you may be very anemic, may have problems swallowing, or may show signs of bleeding in your stomach.

While these symptoms may not be a sign of anything sinister, it's best to have them checked out. If you do have an underlying problem, it's best to catch it as early as you can.

To find out more about how an EGD works and why you need one, talk to a doctor.