Esophageal pH Monitoring (cont.)

Are there other ways in which pH monitoring can be used?

If the pH sensor is left in the stomach instead of the esophagus, it is possible to determine the effectiveness of medications that shut off the production of acid in the stomach. This information may be useful in determining the proper doses of medications among patients with acid-related conditions of the stomach and duodenum (for example, peptic ulcers). It also is possible to place a catheter with two acid sensors so that one sensor is in the stomach and the other is in the lower esophagus. With this catheter, it is possible to evaluate both acid esophageal reflux and the effectiveness of acid- suppressing medications.

The pH sensor may be placed in the upper esophagus or in the pharynx just above the upper esophageal sphincter in patients with unexplained symptoms of sore throat, hoarseness, or cough. In these patients, the demonstration of acid reflux into the upper esophagus or pharynx suggests that acid reflux may be the cause of the symptoms.

What are the side effects of esophageal pH monitoring?

There are very few side effects of esophageal pH monitoring. Although there may be mild discomfort in the back of the throat while the catheter is in place, particularly during swallows, the vast majority of patients have no difficulty eating, sleeping, or going about their daily activities. Most patients, however, prefer not to go to work because they feel self-conscious about the catheter protruding from their nose. The capsule device often causes discomfort when swallowing. The discomfort is felt in the chest and may be due to food tugging on the capsule as it passes, although discomfort occasionally can be felt when swallowing only saliva.

Are there alternatives to esophageal pH monitoring?

There are no alternatives for obtaining the information that esophageal pH monitoring provides.

Last Editorial Review: 3/25/2002

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