Esophageal Ambulatory pH Testing
What is esophageal ambulatory pH testing?
Stomach acid can often enter the esophagus causing discomfort and pain. When stomach acid consistently moves into the esophagus, this is called gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. Esophageal pH testing is a procedure performed by a gastroenterologist designed to measure how often and how long stomach acid enters your esophagus. This testing is performed by inserting a small recording capsule into the esophagus where it will remain for 48 hours to gather information. The Bravo™ capsule sends infrared signals to a small receiver which is worn by the patient on their belt, which records acid levels (pH level) in your esophagus. You will also be asked to keep a diary of your activities and symptoms during the 48-hour period. This procedure is ambulatory, which means you can move about your regular routine until you return the following day.
Why is this procedure performed?
Increased or prolonged exposure to stomach acid in your esophagus can result in or be a symptom of a variety of medical conditions. Esophageal ambulatory pH testing can be an excellent tool for diagnosis of abnormalities including GERD, dysphagia (difficulty in swallowing), non-cardiac chest pain and esophagitis. It can also be used to determine the effectiveness of a medical regimen. Because it allows acid levels in the esophagus to be monitored for an extended period, it usually produces excellent diagnostic results.
-- What to Expect During Your Esophageal Ambulatory pH/BRAVO™ Testing
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