24-Hour Esophageal pH Study

Ready to Consult a GI Physician?

Find a Provider

The Procedure

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.

Find A Provider Find A Location

You and your staff are great. I would recommend your services to anyone I know.

N.B. Google

Great place, very kind and compassionate. They are very efficient and the whole check-in process and discharge was smooth as glass.

R.W. Google

Dr Manam is a gentleman and accomdating.

M.H. Google

He is a great guy good listner and addressed every concern I had. I left the appointment very happy with the treatment plan we have for bettering my gut health

A.B. Google

Dr Kang is the best doctor I have ever had! He takes his time with you and makes you feel taken care of. I’ve issues with IBS since I was a teen. He answered all my questions and gave me advises how to overcome my symptoms. He is a very knowledgeable, patient, friendly and easily approachable. I’m so happy I found the right GI Dr and clinic. His staffs are also nice. Highly recommend for GI Dr. 😊

Y.S. Google

4322

Total Reviews

4.9

Average Rating