What is a key indication for endoscopy in cases of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD)?

Dysphagia, which is defined as difficulty swallowing, is a significant indicator for endoscopy in cases of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD). This is because dysphagia can suggest potential complications related to chronic reflux, such as esophagitis, strictures, or even malignancy. Endoscopy allows for direct visualization of the esophagus and can help identify any structural abnormalities or lesions that may be contributing to swallowing difficulties.

In contrast, symptoms like heartburn, mild abdominal discomfort, and recurrent hiccups do not warrant immediate endoscopic evaluation, as they are more common manifestations of GORD and do not inherently suggest severe underlying pathology. While they may indicate the need for further management or treatment of the reflux, they do not provide the same level of concern as dysphagia does, which could indicate more serious complications requiring intervention. Hence, the presence of dysphagia is the most critical factor that justifies the need for an endoscopic examination in this context.