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24 Hour Esophageal pH Study

A 24 hour esophageal pH study is used to measure the number of reflux episodes a patient has in one day. The study also measures the amount of time (in minutes) that stomach acid is present in the patient's esophagus. The 24 hour test allows for evaluation of the patient's symptoms with activity, at home or work, and especially during sleep.

The information obtained from this study will show if acid reflux is the cause of non-cardiac chest pain, hoarseness, coughing, halitosis, or asthma. This study can show how much reflux a patient is having when endoscopy findings are normal. This information will assist your physician in planning treatment for your particular health problem. Your appointment will last about one hour; this includes out-patient admission, instruction and placement of the pH catheter.

Your procedure will take place in an examination room. Usually, no sedation is given. A nurse will spray your throat with a topical anesthetic and use an anesthetic lubricant on the small, flexible pH tube. The tube is 1/8 inch in diameter, about a third the size of a pencil. This tube is gently placed in one nostril and guided into your esophagus. The end of the tube is positioned 2 inches above the diaphragm, where acid sensing occurs. You will be lying on an examination table during the placement. You do not have to remove your clothing, and you may have a companion with you during examination.

After the pH catheter is placed, the catheter is secured with small pieces of silk tape to the end of your nose and the side of your face. The catheter is attached to a "Walkman" type recorder that is worn on a belt, which is provided. You will not be able to bathe or shower with this catheter in place. Some patients find this catheter does not interfere with their normal activities; others find it to be annoying and would appreciate having someone to drive them home. It may make your eyes water, your nose run, and your throat sore. You will have to return to DCCVA 24 hours later for removal of the catheter. This second visit will take about 5 minutes.

24 hour pH esophageal monitoring is a very low risk procedure, when performed by competent specialists. Complications such as perforations (tearing) or bleeding of the gastrointestinal wall can occur, but they are rare. Equipment failure or death are extremely unlikely, but remain remote possibilities.