Esophageal pH Monitoring
Esophageal pH Monitoring
Esophageal pH Monitoring: a Complete Guide to the Exam
The esophageal pH monitoring exam is crucial for the diagnosis and treatment of several diseases, especially those related to gastroesophageal reflux (GERD).
Understand how the exam is performed, indications, necessary preparation, and much more. Read to the end.
What is Esophageal pH Monitoring?
Esophageal pH monitoring is an exam that evaluates the presence of acid in the esophagus, providing vital information for the diagnosis of reflux.
The exam is performed for 24 hours and uses pH (acidity) sensors to record acid reflux from the stomach to the esophagus.
Esophageal pH Monitoring: Preparation and Performance of the Exam
During the exam, a thin catheter is inserted through the nose into the esophagus, connected to a portable recorder. The patient performs their normal activities, recording meals, sleep periods, and symptoms in a diary.
Preparation for esophageal pH monitoring involves some important steps. See below:
Medications:
Discontinue specific medications
Before the Exam:
Maintain absolute fasting.
Clothing:
Attend the procedure wearing a button-down shirt to facilitate the placement of the device.
Does Esophageal pH Monitoring Hurt?
No. Esophageal pH monitoring is performed by inserting a thin catheter from the nose to the esophagus; however, the patient’s nostril is anesthetized before the procedure to avoid pain or major discomfort.
Usually, patients may report a slight pressure or irritation in the nose; however, these are temporary symptoms, and the exam is usually well-tolerated.
Esophageal pH Monitoring: Risks of the Procedure
Esophageal pH monitoring is considered a safe and low-risk procedure. However, some minor complications may occur:
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Discomfort and Irritation
Some patients report mild discomfort and irritation during catheter insertion. Generally, this discomfort is temporary and disappears after the exam is completed.
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Rare Complications
Although rare, potential complications such as bleeding, infection, or perforation exist. These complications are extremely uncommon and occur in a small percentage of cases.
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Local Adverse Reactions
A localized reaction to the anesthesia used to numb the nostril before catheter insertion may occur, but these reactions are generally mild.
Esophageal pH Monitoring: Indications and Results
The exam is indicated for patients with typical symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux without a satisfactory response to clinical treatment, in addition to other atypical manifestations related to the esophagus.
The results of esophageal pH monitoring, considered the gold standard, provide crucial information about the amount and time of exposure of esophageal acid.
pH Monitoring and Esophageal Manometry: What is the Difference?
There are important differences between these exams. While pH monitoring is focused on detecting acid reflux, using pH sensors to record the amount and time of acid exposure in the esophagus over 24 hours, esophageal manometry focuses on analyzing the muscular function of the esophagus.
However, both procedures are complementary, playing specific roles in investigating different aspects of esophageal function.
Therefore, the choice between pH monitoring and manometry will depend on the specific diagnostic needs of each patient and the guidance of the specialist physician.
24-Hour Esophageal pH Monitoring Price
As with all clinical exams, the costs associated with esophageal pH monitoring can vary depending on factors such as geographic location, specific medical facility, and pricing policies.
Contact the Instituto Medicina em Foco and ask your questions about the cost and health plan coverage.
If you suspect reflux or seek the opinion of a Gastroenterology specialist, schedule your appointment or exam right now by phone and WhatsApp: (11) 3289-3195.
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