24-Hour Esophageal pH Study
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A 24-hour esophageal pH study is used to measure the number of acid reflux episodes a patient experiences during a 24-hour period. The study also measures the amount of time (in minutes) that stomach acid is present in the esophagus and allows for evaluation of your symptoms with activity, at home or work, and especially during sleep.
Before Your Appointment
The 24-hour esophageal pH study takes place in an examination room. You will not be asked to remove any clothing, and sedation is not usually given. Your appointment will last about an hour, including outpatient admission, instruction and placement of the pH catheter.
- The nurse will spray the inside of your throat with a topical anesthetic and will use an anesthetic lubricant on the small, flexible pH tube.
- The tube (1/8? in diameter) is gently placed into one nostril and guided into the esophagus. The end of the tube is positioned precisely 2? above the diaphragm, where acid sensing occurs.
- After the pH catheter is placed, it is secured to the end of your nose and side of your face with small pieces of silk tape.
- The catheter is attached to a "Walkman" style recorder, which is provided.
After Your Appointment
After your appointment you will be able to resume normal activities. Some patients find that the pH catheter does not interfere with their normal activities, while others find it to be annoying and choose to have someone drive them home. You will need to return to the clinic 24 hours after the procedure to have the catheter removed. Removal will only take about five minutes.
The catheter may cause:
- Watery eyes
- Runny nose
- Sore throat
Risks
24-Hour esophageal pH monitoring is a very low risk procedure, when performed by a competent specialist. 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.
Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns, either before or after your appointment.
Reviews
Dr. Friedman, M.D. is an excellent doctor takes his time explaining everything, very confident recommending him.
Dr. Schwartz and the whole team at WAGI was amazing. I would not hesitate to recommend them!
Praise GOD.Dr.Schwarz and staff are Phenomenal.The receptionist, friendly and helpful.Intake Nurse Reagan Awesome, very informative, detailed and professional.I did the procedure without sedation, Josephine was very helpful explaining the progress of where the scope was, when to expect a little discomfort, etc.Victor and Ina equally as awesome assisting during the procedure. Dr.Schwarz is top notch professional, explaining and doing the procedure.Finally, Recovery Nurse did a fantastic job.Yours in CHRISTJESUSAaron P Thompkins
Personable, professional, kind and considerate. Thank you
Dr Huang and his team are very professional and caring. I don’t know how you can make a colonoscopy enjoyable, but this team made the process very comfortable for me.😁
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