Diagnostic Testing
Bravo pH GERD Diagnostic Test
The Bravo pH Monitoring System is used to measure the degree of acidity in an esophagus over a 24-hour period. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a condition that causes pain and inflammation of the esophagus due to stomach acid. Bravo pH monitoring is an effective method of diagnosing GERD and planning appropriate treatment.
Finding out if you have acid reflux is important. If you do have the more severe version (GERD), it could be causing damage to your esophagus, which could mean you could develop problems that are more serious. These include Barrett’s esophagus or esophageal cancer.
The Procedure
The Bravo pH monitor is a plastic gel capsule that is temporarily attached to the esophageal tissue for at least a 24-hour period. During this time, patients are encouraged to resume normal activities so that the monitor can get an accurate reading of the esophagus’s daily exposure to stomach acid. Patients may also be asked to keep a diary of their activities so the doctor can keep track of any external factors that would influence acid buildup.
The capsule will be placed by a physician skilled in gastrointestinal endoscopy. The upper endoscopy process uses thin tubing with cameras to look into the gastrointestinal system through the esophagus and down to the stomach. The process can be used both to examine the gastrointestinal system and to treat certain conditions.
The pH system boasts a unique, wireless design that does not require a catheter. All data is wirelessly transmitted to a recorder worn around the waistband, allowing the patient to wear the monitor without much discomfort. After a few days, the capsule will fall off by itself and pass through the digestive system.
After the procedure, our team will discuss the results of the monitoring test to develop a plan to manage your symptoms.
EndoFLIP Impedance Planimetry System
EndoFLIP® is an advanced balloon dilation technology used during endoscopy. EndoFLIP is an advanced technology used to measure the pressure and size of gastrointestinal organs. It can reveal how solid and strong the walls of the organ are.
Using the EndoFLIP impedance planimetry system, gastroenterologists are able to help further the diagnosis of those with dysphagia, or persistent difficulty swallowing. A range of conditions can cause dysphagia, including esophageal motility disorders, which happen when esophageal muscles aren’t working correctly. This affects how food and liquids move from the mouth to the stomach. It often mimics the symptoms of GERD, including frequent heartburn, sore throat, and regurgitation. For those who suffer from dysphagia, an upper endoscopy (EGD) alone often is not enough to gain a diagnosis.
Our digestive health physicians work together to help patients diminish episodes of discomfort, including:
- Chronic cough
- Chronic heartburn
- Difficulty swallowing
- Noncardiac chest pain
- Postsurgical esophageal symptoms
Diagnosis and treatment may include a combination of medication, lifestyle changes, endoscopic therapies, and, when appropriate, surgical procedures.
What Is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)?
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a more serious and persistent form of the more common gastroesophageal reflux or acid reflux.
Reflux occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (a muscular valve that connects your esophagus to your stomach) either opens spontaneously or does not close properly. This allows your stomach contents to rise up into your esophagus.
The digestive juices of the stomach contain powerful acids that can, over time, damage the lining of your esophagus. Reflux is a common condition that occurs infrequently. However, GERD is a more serious condition that occurs more than twice a week