24-hour pH Impedance monitoring is a test used to measure the amount of acid or non-acid reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus over a 24-hour period.
Purpose of the Procedure
This test helps diagnose gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and determines the effectiveness of acid-suppressing therapy.
Procedure
- A thin catheter is passed through the nose and positioned in the esophagus.
- The catheter is connected to a small recording device worn on a belt or shoulder strap.
- The patient goes about their normal activities for 24 hours, including eating and sleeping.
- The patient keeps a diary of symptoms, meals, and activities.
- After 24 hours, the catheter is removed and the data is analyzed.
Note: This test can detect both acid and non-acid reflux events.
Benefits
- Provides a comprehensive assessment of reflux over a full day
- Can correlate symptoms with reflux events
- Helps in tailoring treatment for GERD
- Can detect reflux in patients who don't respond to acid-suppressing medications