Evaluating Reflux with pH Testing
Centers for Gastroenterology performs a 24-hour pH Impedance Test in Northern Colorado, to monitor patients’ pH levels to evaluate their reflux. We diagnose, manage, and treat diseases that affect the digestive system. The 24-hour pH Impedance Test measures how often acid leads from your esophagus into your stomach and if the acid is related to your symptoms. Your esophagus has a muscle at the stomach entrance to keep food from coming back up into the esophagus. If this valve is not working properly, you may experience heartburn, pain, or coughing. Our outpatient esophageal pH test will help us determine your medical problems. Contact us today.
Why Is a 24-hour pH Impedance Test Performed?
A 24-hour pH Impedance Test helps confirm the diagnosis of Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or helps determine the cause of reflux symptoms. We also perform a 24-hour pH Impedance Test before GERD surgery. The most common symptoms of GERD include:
- Regurgitation to the back of the throat
- Heartburn
- Chronic pain or chest pain
- Difficulty swallowing
Procedure for 24-hour pH Impedance Test
We perform the 24-hour pH Impedance Test by inserting a small tube with a device on the tip into your nose and down the esophagus. The tube records the flow of liquid from your stomach into your esophagus. We place a small computer on a belt to record information from the device’s tip. We will review the results with you after a recording period of 24 hours. Your results will help us design a customized treatment solution.
24-hour pH Impedance Test Expectations
Once you return to our office the next day, we will remove the recording device. We will evaluate your 24-hour pH Impedance Test results to determine if you have GERD, the severity of your reflux, and any connections between your present symptoms and the presence of nonacid reflux. Our doctors will discuss the best possible treatment plan for your specific medical needs.
Importance of Testing Before GERD Surgery
A 24-hour pH Impedance Test provides information about reflux presence and whether your symptoms are due to acid reflux. The data helps us determine the amount of probable improvement from a possible laparoscopic fundoplication surgery for GERD. The surgery success rate increases when pH Test results determine acid reflux is caused by GERD.
Why Choose Centers For Gastroenterology?
For for 40 years, Centers for Gastroenterology has delivered the highest quality of gastrointestinal healthcare to our patients. We’re committed to providing outstanding comprehensive services for the diagnosis, medical management, and endoscopic treatment of digestive system diseases. We treat the gallbladder, stomach, esophagus, small intestine, colon, liver, and pancreas problems. We are proud of our board-certified physicians in Internal Medicine with additional Board Certifications in the subspecialty of Gastroenterology.
Contact Centers for Gastroenterology Today
We want to help you feel your very best. If you’re experiencing GERD symptoms, our 24-hour pH Impedance Test will determine the proper treatment. We invite you to check out our blog for more information and our frequently asked questions page to learn more. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!