What is 24 hour pH monitoring?
This test enables your doctor to determine the number of episodes of reflux, return or backward flow of the stomach’s contents into the throat. It also determines how long each of these last and what the acid measurement is. Understanding this is important in recommending the correct treatment for you.
Why is pH monitoring recommended?
PH monitoring can be helpful to evaluate chest pain, reflux, heartburn, respiratory symptoms, voice hoarseness or vomiting.
How do I prepare for this test?
Diet:
Do not have anything to eat or drink 8 hours before your test.
Medications:
Several medications alter the pH level of the stomach and/or may affect the contractile pattern of the esophagus. These medications may need to be before the test.
Off Stomach Medications
Your doctor would like to study the stomach in its natural state. The medications listed below will need to be stopped prior to the exam (other medications may be continued).
Your test will need to be rescheduled if these medications are not stopped.
|
7 Days Before Test |
Two Days Before Test |
24 hours Before Test |
|
Stop taking:
- Aciphex (rabeprazole)
- Nexium (esompeprazole)
- Prevacid (lansoprazole)
- Prilosec (omeproazole)
- Protonix (pantoprazole)
- Zegerid (omeprazole/ sodium bicarbonate)
|
Stop Taking:
- Reglan (metoclopramide)
- Pepcid (famotidine)
- Tagament (cimetidine)
- Zantac (ranitdine)
- Axid (nazatidine)
- Carafate (sucralfate)
|
Stop any over the counter antacids
Reminder: Nothing to eat or drink 8 hours before your test. |
Other prescribed medications may be continued.
On Stomach Medications
Your doctor would like to study the stomach while you are taking your medications.
You do not need to stop medications before this test.
What should I wear to the test?
- Once in place the lead wire/tube will interfere with your ability to change your clothes. For this reason we recommend loose fitting clothing, preferably a button up shirt or blouse.
Will I be able to drive myself?
- You may drive yourself to and from the test.
What should I expect during the procedure?
A very thin tube will be passed though your nose into your esophagus. The tube will be secured to your nose with tape. The external end will be attached to a small recorder. You can wear the recording device on a belt around your waist or carry it like a shoulder strap. For 24 hours (your testing time), you will be asked to keep a diary of when you eat, sleep, and any symptoms that you experience. These symptoms (example: coughing or heartburn) will then be correlated with the information from the tube in your esophagus. A staff employee designated by the physician will place the tube.
What happens when the test is finished?
The tube will be removed, and then you may return home or go back to work. A computer will analyze the information from your recording device and your diary. The results will be given to a doctor who will study the combined data and send a report to your primary physician.
Are there any complications?
This test is very safe with very few potential serious complications. You may feel minor discomfort while the tube is in place.