OVERVIEW
Ambulatory pH monitoring is an outpatient procedure that is used to diagnose gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
If you're experiencing the symptoms of GERD, which can include heartburn or regurgitation, your board-certified gastroenterologist may recommend ambulatory pH monitoring. It may also be called esophageal pH monitoring.
How does Ambulatory pH monitoring work?
A small catheter (tube) with sensors is placed through your nose into your esophagus during this outpatient procedure - attached to a recording device, it will monitor the pH level (acidity) in your esophagus over a period of 24 hours as you carry on your regular routine.
The number of times you experience symptoms related to GERD and the number of times stomach acid reaches your esophagus are recorded. The probe is then removed, and your results are analyzed and evaluated by your doctor.
What are the common symptoms of GERD?
GERD is a chronic condition that occurs when the digestive contents in your stomach move back up or regurgitate into your esophagus, leading to multiple symptoms that can recur over time.
Symptoms of GERD can include:
- Bad breath
- Heartburn
- Regurgitation
- Chronic sore throat
- Burping
- Sour belch
- Nausea or vomiting
- Erosion of the surface of your teeth's enamel
- Chest pain
- Difficulty swallowing
- Unexplained cough
- Hoarseness or voice changes
- Wheezing
- Throat clearing
Ambulatory pH monitoring is Safe When Performed by a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist
Results indicating reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus from your ambulatory pH monitoring test may indicate the presence of GERD which can be managed by your doctor.
Disclaimer:
The information on this website is provided for educational and information purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult with a licensed medical provider and follow their recommendations regardless of what you read on this website. If you think you are having a medical emergency, dial 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Links to other third-party websites are provided for your convenience only. If you decide to access any of the third-party websites, you do so entirely at your own risk and subject to the terms of use for those websites. Neither Emanuel Kontos, DMD, nor any contributor to this website, makes any representation, express or implied, regarding the information provided on this website or any information you may access on a third-party website using a link. Use of this website does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. If you would like to request an appointment with a health care provider, please call our office at (727) 939-2099.