24 Hour PH Manometry And Impedence

24-hour pH impedance testing is one method your doctor can use to evaluate acid and nonacid reflux from your stomach into your esophagus (the passageway between your mouth and stomach) over the course of a day.

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. Esophageal manometry is always a part of 24 hr pH study.

The procedure is commonly used to help confirm the diagnosis of GERD or to identify the cause of various symptoms, including:

• Heartburn, primarily in patients who have had a normal endoscopy and who have failed medical treatment
• Regurgitation of food back to throat
• Patients who are 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.

Why should 24 hr pH study be done?

Symptoms of GERD or reflux are quite confusing. This means many other condition related to your esophagus, stomach, liver and pancreas can produce similar symptoms. Primarily medications are started on the basis of symptoms alone. But if you do not respond to these medications, or you require it for a very long time or surgery is suggested as an option to prolonged medications, then this study is indicated. It helps us objectively confirm the presence of reflux episodes and also confirm that your symptoms are due to reflux. If not due to reflux, the manometry study done as a part of pH study may diagnose other oesophageal motility disorders which may the cause of your symptoms. Hence if required the direction of your treatment can be changed based on this study.

How Is the Esophageal pH Test Performed?

A thin, small tube with a device on the tip that senses acid is gently passed through your nose, down the esophagus, and positioned about two inches above the lower esophageal sphincter. As esophageal manometry is needed to define the exact location of the lower esophageal sphincter, Manometry is mandatory before performing the pH study. The probe is then plugged into a small device worn on your belt or over your shoulder. 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
• The manometry technician will review the monitoring instructions with you.
• Be careful with the device and keep it dry at all times and do not remove the batteries during the study.