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Esophageal pH monitoring

pH monitoring - esophageal; Esophageal acidity test

 

Esophageal pH monitoring is a test that measures how often stomach acid enters the tube that leads from the mouth to the stomach (called the esophagus). The test also measures how long the acid stays there.

How the Test is Performed

 

A thin tube is passed through your nose or mouth to your stomach. The tube is then is pulled back into your esophagus. A monitor attached to the tube measures the acid level in your esophagus.

You will wear the monitor on a strap and record your symptoms and activity over the next 24 hours in a diary. You will return to the hospital the next day and the tube will be removed. The information from the monitor will be compared with your diary notes.

Infants and children may need to stay in the hospital for the esophageal pH monitoring.

This test can also be done during upper GI endoscopy by clipping a pH monitor to the lining of the esophagus.

 

How to Prepare for the Test

 

Your health care provider will ask you to not eat or drink after midnight before the test. You should also avoid smoking.

Some medicines may change the test results. Your provider may ask you to not take these for between 24 hours and 2 weeks (or more) before the test. You also may be told to avoid alcohol. Medicines that you may need to stop include:

  • Adrenergic blockers
  • Antacids
  • Anticholinergics
  • Cholinergics
  • Corticosteroids
  • H2 blockers
  • Proton pump inhibitors

DO NOT stop taking any medicine unless told to do so by your provider.

 

How the Test will Feel

 

You briefly feel like gagging as the tube is passed through your throat.

 

Why the Test is Performed

 

Esophageal pH monitoring is used to check how much stomach acid is entering the esophagus. It also checks how well the acid is cleared downward into the stomach. It is a test for gastroesophageal reflux disease ( GERD ).

In infants, this test is also used to check for GERD and other problems related to excessive crying .

 

Normal Results

 

Normal value ranges may vary depending on the lab doing the test. Talk to your provider about the meaning of your specific test results.

 

What Abnormal Results Mean

 

Increased acid in the esophagus may be related to:

  • Barrett's esophagus
  • Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
  • Esophageal scarring
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  • Heartburn
  • Reflux esophagitis

You may need to have the following tests if your doctor suspects esophagitis :

  • Barium swallow
  • Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (also called upper GI endoscopy)

 

Risks

 

Rarely, the following may occur:

  • Arrhythmias during insertion of the tube
  • Breathing in of vomit if the catheter causes vomiting

 

 

Open References

References

Katzka DA, Falk G. Diseases of the esophagus. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman's Cecil Medicine . 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2011:chap 140.

Richter JE, Friedenberg FK. Gastroesophageal reflux disease. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease . 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2010:chap 43.

 
  • Esophageal pH monitoring

    Esophageal pH monitoring - illustration

    Esophageal pH monitoring is a test that measures how often and how long stomach acid is entering the esophagus. A small thin tube is introduced through the nose or mouth and into the stomach, which is then drawn back up into the esophagus. The tube is attached to a monitor which records the level of acidity in the esophagus. The patient records symptoms and activity while the tube is left in place for the next 24 hours. The information from the monitor is compared to the diary the patient provides. This test is helpful in determining the amount of stomach acid entering the esophagus.

    Esophageal pH monitoring

    illustration

    • Esophageal pH monitoring

      Esophageal pH monitoring - illustration

      Esophageal pH monitoring is a test that measures how often and how long stomach acid is entering the esophagus. A small thin tube is introduced through the nose or mouth and into the stomach, which is then drawn back up into the esophagus. The tube is attached to a monitor which records the level of acidity in the esophagus. The patient records symptoms and activity while the tube is left in place for the next 24 hours. The information from the monitor is compared to the diary the patient provides. This test is helpful in determining the amount of stomach acid entering the esophagus.

      Esophageal pH monitoring

      illustration

    A Closer Look

     

      Self Care

       

        Tests for Esophageal pH monitoring

         
         

        Review Date: 11/20/2014

        Reviewed By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-Torresdale Hospital, Aria Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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