POSTED: 5:54 p.m. PDT July 28, 2003

Micki Flowers
KIRO 7 Eyewitness News Health Reporter

An important new test could spell relief for millions of Americans who suffer with heartburn.

Chronic heartburn is a symptom of a serious medical problem.

For years, Steve Balzano was almost afraid to eat. His heartburn was so bad he was downing two rolls of Tums a day.

"The heartburn I got was like a hot knife in my stomach," Balzano said.

Chronic heartburn happens when there's a back-flow of stomach acids into the esophagus. The irritation can cause tissue damage, and even cancer. But mostly, it makes life miserable.

MORE ON THIS STORY More on Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

The standard way to test for it isn't pleasant, either. Doctors run a catheter through the nose to the esophagus, with wires attached to an external recorder.

"It is uncomfortable down through the nose, and you can feel it down the back of your throat," Balzano said.

A computerized capsule is making a difference. Under sedation, doctors run a tube through the mouth and attach the capsule temporarily to the wall of the esophagus with a tiny pin. It takes about a minute. The capsule measures acid levels and transmits the data to a small wireless receiver. When the test is over, the capsule passes harmlessly through the system.

Doctors get everything they need to make a diagnosis and start patients on treatments that work.

"I wasn't aware of the scope of my problem. And they were able to show me exactly what it was. I was amazed. I thought everyone had heartburn. I really did," Balzano said.

After the test, patients are able to go to work, exercise, and eat whatever kind of meal they want.

Doctors are still trying out the new test in clinical trials. But they think this will become the gold standard for diagnosing chronic heartburn.