Esophageal pH Test for Heartburn or Acid Reflux
The esophageal pH test is an outpatient procedure performed to measure the pH or amount of acid that flows into the esophagus from the stomach during a 24-hour period.
The procedure is commonly used to help confirm the diagnosis of GERD or to identify the cause of various symptoms, including:
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Barrett's esophagus is a serious complication of GERD, which stands for gastroesophageal reflux disease. In Barrett's esophagus, normal tissue lining the esophagus -- the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach -- changes to tissue that resembles the lining of the intestine. About 10% of people with chronic symptoms of GERD develop Barrett's esophagus.Barrett's esophagus does not have any specific symptoms, although patients with Barrett's esophagus may have symptoms related to...
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The test may also be performed to evaluate the effectiveness of current treatments for heartburn or reflux. This test is often recommended for those whose symptoms aren't helped by medications.
The equipment used in the esophageal pH test consists of a small probe that is inserted through your nostril and positioned near the lower esophagus. The probe is plugged into a small unit (or monitor) worn on your belt or over your shoulder. A newer, wireless device may make monitoring the pH level easier: Instead of having to have a tube placed down your nose for 24 hours, your doctor will place a disposable capsule into the esophagus using an endoscope. The capsule then wirelessly transmits information to a receiver worn around the waist.
With the touch of a button on your monitor, it will record the following information:
A nurse will review the monitoring instructions with you.
Be careful with the monitor and keep it dry at all times.
Do not eat or drink for four to six hours before your esophageal pH test.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, have a lung or heart condition or any other diseases, or are allergic to any medications.
There are several medications that may affect the results of an esophageal pH test. These include:
The procedure is commonly used to help confirm the diagnosis of GERD or to identify the cause of various symptoms, including:
Recommended Related to Heartburn/GERD
Barrett's Esophagus: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments
Barrett's esophagus is a serious complication of GERD, which stands for gastroesophageal reflux disease. In Barrett's esophagus, normal tissue lining the esophagus -- the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach -- changes to tissue that resembles the lining of the intestine. About 10% of people with chronic symptoms of GERD develop Barrett's esophagus.Barrett's esophagus does not have any specific symptoms, although patients with Barrett's esophagus may have symptoms related to...
Read the Barrett's Esophagus: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments article > >
- Heartburn, primarily in patients who have had a normal endoscopy and who have failed medical treatment and may be considered as candidates for surgery
- Uncommon symptoms of GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), such as chest pain, chronic cough, asthma, and other throat symptoms
The test may also be performed to evaluate the effectiveness of current treatments for heartburn or reflux. This test is often recommended for those whose symptoms aren't helped by medications.
How Is the Esophageal pH Test Performed?
The equipment used in the esophageal pH test consists of a small probe that is inserted through your nostril and positioned near the lower esophagus. The probe is plugged into a small unit (or monitor) worn on your belt or over your shoulder. A newer, wireless device may make monitoring the pH level easier: Instead of having to have a tube placed down your nose for 24 hours, your doctor will place a disposable capsule into the esophagus using an endoscope. The capsule then wirelessly transmits information to a receiver worn around the waist.
With the touch of a button on your monitor, it will record the following information:
- The occurrence of symptoms
- The times when you eat and lie down
A nurse will review the monitoring instructions with you.
Be careful with the monitor and keep it dry at all times.
What Happens Before the Esophageal pH Test?
Do not eat or drink for four to six hours before your esophageal pH test.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, have a lung or heart condition or any other diseases, or are allergic to any medications.
Can I Continue to Take Medication Before the Esophageal pH Test?
There are several medications that may affect the results of an esophageal pH test. These include:
- Proton pump inhibitors: Dexlansoprazole (Dexilant), Omeprazole (Prilosec), Lansoprazole (Prevacid), Esomeprazole (Nexium), Rabeprazole (Aciphex), and Pantoprazole (Protonix)H2 blockers: Nizatidine (Axid), Famotidine (Pepcid), Cimetidine (Tagamet), and Ranitidine (Zantac)
- Antacids: Alka-Seltzer, Gaviscon, Maalox, Milk of Magnesia, Mylanta, Tums
- Calcium channel blockers: Verapamil (Calan, Isoptin), Nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia), Diltiazem (Cardizem)
- Nitrates: Isordil, Isosorbide, Nitrobid, Nitrodisc, Nitroglycerin (NTG), Nitropatch
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