This article explains why you may need the test and the ways the test is conducted.
It also explains what you’re able to expect to learn from the test results.
Sometimes this test shows no evidence of abnormality to explain your symptoms.
© Verywell, 2018
That’s when your healthcare provider may recommend pH monitoring.
Before Your Test
You will be instructed not to eat after midnight before your procedure.
Discuss this with your healthcare provider.
There are two types of monitors that are used for this test: a catheter and a wireless capsule.
Catheter Test
The catheter is placed using a scope.
Your healthcare provider will usually place an IV and give you medication to relax you.
They may also spray the back of your throat with medication.
A tube with a sensor on its end is inserted through your mouth or nose and into your esophagus.
The sensor is then attached to the lining of the esophagus, and the tube is removed.
the sensor will wirelessly send data to a monitor that you could wear around your waist or shoulder.
This will travel down through your esophagus, stomach, and intestine.
It wirelessly records data about your symptoms and when you eat or lie down.
Both types of sensors will gather information about your symptoms.
This can help your healthcare provider determine if acid reflux is related to unexplained asthma or other respiratory symptoms.
Sucking on lozenges or hard candy may help soothe this discomfort.
The sensor itself should not cause any pain or be detectable.
It will pass through your digestive tract within days and be excreted without problems.
Your healthcare provider will review the data gathered by the sensor and your diary entries.
You will need to schedule a follow-up appointment to review these results.
Interpreting Results
Typically, the pH level in the esophagus should be close to 7.0.
It’s an important test to diagnose or monitor GERD.
Higher acidity is linked to more severe symptoms.
Yes, a high pH means that something is less acidic and more alkaline (basic).
A lower pH (more acidic) can increase symptoms of reflux and GERD.
An upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy is usually the preferred diagnostic test for GERD and its complications.
Esophageal pH monitoring is the most accurate way to tell whether there’s stomach acid in your esophagus.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of GER & GERD.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Diagnosis of GER & GERD.
American Academy of Family Physicians.Antacids and acid reducers: OTC relief for heartburn and acid reflux.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Wireless esophageal pH test (Bravo test).
2020;75:e1556.
doi:10.6061/clinics/2020/e1556
National Library of Medicine.Esophageal stricture - benign.
National Library of Medicine.Reflux Esophagitis.
Wang RH.From reflux esophagitis to Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma.World J Gastroenterol.
