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
- pantoprazole, Protonix - Explains the medication pantoprazole (Protonix), a drug used for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), like other PPI's it also is used for treating ulcers of the stomach and duodenum, and the Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome.
- Endoscopy (Esophagogastroduodenoscopy, EGD) - Learn about the endoscopy procedure which examines the esophagus, stomach and duodenum to detect gastrointestinal and digestive disorders on MedicineNet.com
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD, Heartburn) - Learn about gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD, acid reflux, heartburn) symptoms like heartburn, chest pain, regurgitation, and nausea. Causes, diagnosis, treatment and prevention information is also included.
Latest Medical News