Esophageal pH monitoring

Disease	Injury	Nutrition	Poison

Special Topic	Surgery	Symptoms	Test

Definition:

A test to measure the frequency and duration of stomach acid that enters the esophagus.

Alternative Names:

pH monitoring - esophageal; Esophageal acidity test

How the test is performed:

You are asked to swallow a thin tube that is either placed through your nose or mouth. It is similar in size to a piece of spaghetti. This tube is passed into your stomach, then withdrawn back into your esophagus.

The tube measures the level of acidity in your esophagus. It is attached to a monitor that you wear on a strap. You will be asked to keep a diary of your symptoms and activity over the next 24-hours. The next day you will be asked to return, and the tube will be removed. The information from the monitor will be compared to the diary you provide.

In infants and children:
Infants and children will most likely remain in the hospital for the esophageal pH monitoring. Since the tube is placed for a short duration, it is usually placed in the mouth since access is easier than through the nose.

How to prepare for the test:

Your health care provider will ask you to fast and avoid smoking from midnight on, the night before the test.

Some drugs and medications may alter the test results, and therefore your health care provider may ask you to withhold those substances for 24-hours before the test. These substances may include:

antacids
anticholinergics
cholinergics
adrenergic blockers
alcohol
corticosteroids
H2 blockers

How the test will feel:

You may experience a brief gagging sensation as the catheter is passed through your throat.

Why the test is performed:

Esophageal pH monitoring is used to assess how much stomach acid is entering the esophagus and how well it is cleared. In infants, this test is usually used to evaluate the absence or presence of GERD and associated excessive crying or other problems.

Normal Values:

Normal values vary from person to person, and with different equipment and technique.

What abnormal results mean:

An increased frequency or duration of acid in the esophagus often correlates with:

heartburn
gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
esophageal scarring
reflux esophagitis
dysphagia (a late symptom of esophageal scarring)

To determine the extent and severity of esophagitis, if present, further studies may be indicated:

What the risks are:

No significant risks have been reported with this test, but the following may occur very infrequently:

arrhythmias may develop during insertion of the tube (intubation)
if the catheter induces vomiting, it is possible that you might aspirate gastric contents (see aspiration of vomitus)

Review Date: 5/25/2001
Reviewed By: Janak N. Shah, M.D., Division of Gastroenterology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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