What is an esophageal pH test?
An esophageal pH test
measures and records the pH in your esophagus to determine if you
have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The test can also be
done to determine the effectiveness of medicines or surgical
treatment for GERD.
What is esophageal reflux?
Esophageal reflux is a
condition in which stomach acid refluxes or moves back into the
esophagus (the "food pipe" leading from the mouth to the
stomach).
What happens during esophageal reflux?
A specialized
muscle, called the lower esophageal sphincter, is located where the
esophagus meets the stomach. This sphincter opens to allow flood
and liquid to pass into the stomach, then closes. When the
sphincter does not close tightly, food particles, stomach acid, and
other digestive juices can splash back up into the esophagus. This
is called gastroesophageal reflux. When reflux occurs on a
regular basis, it can cause permanent damage to the esophagus. The
esophageal pH test measures how often stomach contents reflux into
the lower esophagus and how much acid the reflux contains.
How does the Bravo esophageal pH test work?
A small
capsule, about the size of a gel cap, is temporarily attached to
the wall of the esophagus during an upper endoscopy. The capsule
measures pH levels in the esophagus and transmits readings by radio
telecommunications to a receiver (about the size of a pager) worn
on your belt or waistband. The receiver has several buttons on it
that you will press to record symptoms of GERD, such as heartburn.
(The nurse will tell you what symptoms to record.) You will be
asked to maintain a diary to record certain events such as when you
start and stop eating and drinking, when you lay down, and when you
get back up. This will be explained by the nurse.
How do I prepare for the Bravo esophageal pH
test?
Let your doctor know if you have a pacemaker or
implantable heart defibrillator, a history of bleeding problems,
dilated blood vessels, and any other previously known problems with
your esophagus.
- Seven days before the monitoring period, do not take
proton pump inhibitors: omeprazole (Prilosec), lansoprazole
(Prevacid), rabeprazole (Aciphex), pantoprazole (Protonix),
esomeprazole (Nexium).
- Two days (48 hours) before the monitoring period, do not
take the H2 blockers: ranitidine (Zantac), cimetidine
(Tagamet), famotidine (Pepcid), nizatidine (Axid); or the
promotility drug metoclopramide (Reglan)
- Six hours before the monitoring period, do not take
antacids (such as Alka-Seltzer, Gaviscon, Maalox, Milk of Magnesia,
Mylanta, Phillips, Riopan, Tums, or any other brands).
- Four to 6 hours before your appointment do not eat or
drink.