After suffering from acid reflux for quite a while I was sent for a endoscopy, as there was a history of oesophageal cancer in the family. I have Barrett’s oesophagus, which can sometimes lead to cancer, and needed to have an endoscopy, every two years, with biopsy’s taken at the time to keep an eye on changing cells. This time I was offered a cytosponge test, which is less invasive and a lot cheaper. It involved swallowing a capsule on a string, which then opens out into a polymer sponge and it is then pulled out and the tiny hooks scrape cells on the way out. This test is also being used to test for Barrett’s oesophagus, which can be exacerbated by acid reflux. The whole thing took about 15 minutes, by a nurse endoscopist, as opposed to about an hour, with 4 staff performing the endoscopy. I had a slightly sore throat for a few hours, but no other side effects. It was a really interesting experience.
refluxuk.com/symptoms-and-diagnosis/diagnostic-tests/cytosponge/
I think it’s wisest to seek medical advice if you are suffering from reflux, as symptoms can be masked by taking medication, but the cause might be something potentially serious, but treatable. I hope you get it sorted soon.