Test Overview Your esophagus pH
The most common tests include:
pH monitoring (acidity test). This checks the acid content (pH) in the esophagus. A low pH for long periods may mean that you often have abnormal backflow (reflux) of stomach acid into the esophagus (gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD Esophageal manometry . This checks the strength and pattern of muscle contractions in the esophagus. This test can find: A weak lower esophageal sphincter Weak muscle contractions when you swallow. This could slow the rate at which food or stomach acid is cleared from the esophagus. Very strong contractions (spasms) that can cause chest pain. Or they can make you feel that food is stuck after you swallow (dysphagia). Why It Is Done
Tests on the esophagus are done to:
Help find the cause of chest pain that is not caused by heart problems. Help find the cause of GERD symptoms if you have not been helped by medicine and your esophagus looks normal during an endoscopy Check how well GERD treatment is working. Detect spasms of the esophagus. Spasms can cause chest pain and problems with how food moves down to the stomach. Find out if the esophagus is working as it should. Check how the esophagus works before surgery for GERD. These tests are usually not done if you have GERD and your symptoms are well controlled with medicine.
How To Prepare
To prepare for this test:
Do not take antacids (such as Tums) for 24 hours before the test. Follow your doctor's instructions for using other medicines before the test. Do not drink alcohol or smoke for 24 hours before the test. Do not eat or drink for 8 to 12 hours before the test. Load More Information about Esophagus Tests
How It Is Done
You will be seated. You may be given a spray medicine that numbs your nose and throat. For each test, a thin, flexible tube (endoscope
pH monitoring A probe that measures pH For prolonged pH monitoring, the pH probe is attached to a small recorder. You carry the device by a strap around your waist or over your shoulder. The probe checks the pH of your esophagus for up to 24 hours while you go about your daily routines. You will need to use a diary to keep track of your activities and any symptoms you have. You may be asked to avoid high-acid foods. You will not be able to take a bath, except for a careful sponge bath, or do anything else that might get the device wet. For wireless pH monitoring, you will have an endoscopy procedure. A capsule that contains a pH-sensitive transmitter is placed in your esophagus. You carry a small receiver in your pocket or wear it around your waist for a certain time period. You will need to use a diary to keep track of your activities and any symptoms you have. You will press the symptom button when you have heartburn regurgitation Esophageal manometry You will swallow a small tube attached to tools called transducers that measure pressure. The tube has holes in it that sense pressure along the esophagus. It will be placed in different areas of your esophagus. You may be asked to swallow several times or to drink liquids while the pressure is checked. You may be asked to swallow, not swallow, or hold your breath during the test. The results are shown as a graph with a wave pattern. This helps your doctor know if your esophagus is working as it should. How It Feels
The local anesthetic
When the tube goes through your nose or mouth into your esophagus, you may feel like coughing or gagging. The test may be easier if you try to take slow, deep breaths. You may not like the taste of the lubricant on the tube.
If you have a test that involves adding acid to your stomach, you may have heartburn pain and other symptoms of acid reflux.
If you have the wireless pH monitoring, you may be able to feel the capsule in your esophagus. You will not feel the capsule when it detaches and passes through your intestines and out of your body in your stool.
After the test is over, your nose and throat may feel sore. But this should improve within a day or so.
Risks
The chances that you will have problems from an esophagus test are rare.
You may get a nosebleed. You may have irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias). The tube may go down the windpipe (trachea) instead of the esophagus as it is being inserted. You may vomit material from your stomach and then breathe it into your lungs (aspiration). The tube may make a hole in the esophagus. Results
You can usually get your results within a few days.
pH monitoring Normal:
The pH of the esophagus is not acidic. If acid is placed in the stomach, the pH of the esophagus does not go down. Abnormal:
The pH of the lower esophagus is often acidic. If acid is placed in the stomach, the pH of the lower esophagus goes down.
Esophageal manometry Normal:
The pressure of the muscle contractions that move food down the esophagus is normal. The muscle contractions follow a normal pattern down the esophagus. The pressure at the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) Abnormal:
Muscle spasms are present in the esophagus. Contractions along the esophagus are weak or uncoordinated. The LES pressure is low. The LES pressure is high and fails to relax after you swallow.
Many conditions can affect the results of these tests. Your doctor will discuss your results with you in relation to your symptoms and past health.
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Current as of: September 27, 2023
