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24-hour esophageal pH monitoring

24-hour pH monitoring · esophageal pH test · pH impedance test · acid reflux test

A thin tube is passed through your nose into your food pipe and left for 24 hours. A device records how often acid from the stomach comes up into the food pipe.

For heartburn that does not get better with treatment, a cough or chest pain with no clear cause, or before reflux surgery.

⏱ Duration: placing the tube takes about 15 minutes, and you wear it for usually 24 hours; the report usually takes a few days

Be sure to tell your doctor

All your medicines, especially for heartburn and acid. Your doctor will say if you need to pause them
Surgery on your food pipe or stomach, or nose problems
If you do not tolerate tubes well
If you take blood thinners

How to prepare

Heartburn medicines. They are often stopped for a few days before the test. Do not stop them on your own. Your doctor decides.
Food. Usually no food for 4 to 6 hours before the tube is placed. Check with the clinic.
Clothing. Comfortable clothes with a pocket or belt for the device.

What to bring

Your referral
Past endoscopy and manometry reports
A list of your medicines
A diary and pen. The clinic usually gives you these

How it goes

Your nose and throat are numbed
A thin tube is passed through your nose while you take sips of water
The end of the tube is taped to your cheek
The device is clipped to your belt
You go home and have a normal day
In the diary, you note meals, sleep, heartburn, and pain
After 24 hours, you come back, and the tube is removed in seconds

What you'll feel

Putting in the tube is unpleasant: your eyes water, and you may want to sneeze or cough
You get used to the tube, but swallowing feels a bit odd

Afterwards

Right after removal, back to normal life
Take heartburn medicines as your doctor says
The report usually takes a few days

Contact a doctor straight away if

A nosebleed that will not stop, or severe chest pain: call emergency services

Common questions

Can I eat with the tube in?

Yes, you should eat as usual so the test shows the real picture. You are often asked to avoid sour foods and fizzy drinks.

Can I shower with the device?

No, the device must not get wet. Shower before the tube is placed and after it is removed.