A pH/Impedance
Monitoring is an ambulatory 24-hour test that measures reflux
of gastric (stomach) contents into the esophagus. This
diagnostic test determines if you have Gastroesophageal Reflux
Disease (GERD). Although it is normal to have some reflux,
excessive reflux may damage the lining of the esophagus (food
tube) and cause symptoms of GERD, which may include chest
pain, heartburn, difficulty or painful swallowing, cough,
hoarseness and asthma. A very small, flexible catheter about
the size of a spaghetti noodle is inserted through your
nostril and placed strategically in the esophagus. The
catheter will be secured and attached to a recording device
that measures reflux for 24 hours. The catheter will not
interfere with eating, drinking or breathing. An esophageal
manometry study will be performed prior to inserting the
pH/impedance catheter to determine accurate placement of the
pH/Impedance sensors.
Before the Procedure: (Medications will be discussed on
an individual basis)
You may have you regular
meals on the day before the test.
Do not eat or drink anything
after midnight. This also includes chewing gum, mints and
hard candies. If you are scheduled for an afternoon
appointment, you may have clear liquids 6 hours before
appointment.
No smoking.
Wear a shirt or blouse that
buttons in the front on the day of the pH/Impedance test.
You may wish to shower or
take a tub bath before your appointment since you will be
unable to do so for 24 hours during the test.
You will be asked to sign an
informed consent and provide information regarding
allergies, medicines you are now taking, existing medical
conditions and previous surgeries.
During the Procedure:
An esophageal manometry test
will be performed before the placement of the pH/Impedance
catheter.
Your nostrils will be numbed
with an anesthetic gel to allow for easier placement of
the catheter.
The pH/Impedance catheter
will be inserted through your nostrils into your
esophagus, secured in place with tape and connected to a
recording device.
The test lasts for 24 hours.
During the 24 hours, you
will be asked to keep a diary to write down when you eat,
lay down, take medications and when you have symptoms such
as heartburn, chest pain, cough, etc. It is important to
keep an accurate diary!
Eat the foods you normally
consume during the test.
You may drink any beverage
with meals, but drink only water between meals.
Do not chew gum or eat hard
candies or mints during the test.
Do not take a tub bath or
shower during the test.
After the 24 hours, please
return to The Austin Diagnostic Clinic, Gastroenterology
section, located on the first floor in the North entrance
(map).
Remember to bring your
diary!
A nurse will remove the
catheter and review the diary with you.
If you experience any
difficulties during the test, please contact your
physician’s office at 512-901-1111 or our nurse at
512-901-4735.
After the Procedure:
You may resume your normal
daily activities.
Your nostril or throat may
be slightly sore for 1 or 2 days.
Please schedule a follow-up
visit with your physician to discuss the results of the
test.
If you experience any
problems after the test, please contact your physician.
The Austin Diagnostic Clinic, A
Multi-Specialty Medical Clinic
12221 MoPac Expressway North |
Austin, TX 78758 | 512.901.1111
Serving the communities of Austin, Round Rock, Pflugerville, San
Marcos and
Central Texas since 1952
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without written permission. The Austin Diagnostic
Clinic and its associated logo are registered State of Texas
trademarks and may not be used without written permission.
