Back in the day (a good 20+ years), they would use a 24 hour PH probe to test for GERD. Acid seems to cause more of a problem IF it gets outside the stomach...like into the esophagus. The PH probe (inserted via the nose) is placed in the lower part of the esophagus to measure acid levels 'refluxing' out of the stomach over 24 hours. I don't know if they do this anymore. It seems it's more of an 'assumption' that GERD is the problem as soon as patients mention typical symptoms and PPI's are prescribed without much of any testing. Now that they know more about long term effect of PPI's I'd hope they confirm people really have GERD and hyperacidity before handing out PPI's like candy.

I have had better times, but good to 'see' you.