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Esophageal pH Monitoring Center - Pharr, TX

Pharr Gastroenterologist Doctors for Esophageal pH Monitoring

Type of Physician: Gastroenterologist

What is a Gastroenterologist?

A subspecialty certification by the Board of Internal Medicine; practitioners focus on the stomach, intestines, colon, liver, and gallbladder (digestive organs). The gastroenterologist treats conditions such as abdominal pain, ulcers, diarrhea, cancer, and jaundice and they consult with surgeons when abdominal operations are indicated.

Specialty: Gastroenterology

Common Name: GI Doctor

Gastroenterologist Doctors in Pharr *

Fatih Ozcelebi MD
Fatih Ozcelebi
1900 S Jackson Rd
STE E11
Mcallen, TX 78503
(956) 661-1333

Ralph Alhalel MD
Ralph Alhalel
1200 E Ridge Rd
STE 5
Mcallen, TX 78503
(956) 661-9300

Ralph Alhalel MD
Brick E Alva
1200 E Ridge Rd
STE 5
Mcallen, TX 78503
(956) 661-9300

K Vijaya Chowdary MD
K Vijaya Chowdary
301 Lindberg Ave
Mcallen, TX 78501
(956) 630-2979

South Texas Gastroenterology Associates
Oscar Alvarez
5525 Doctors Dr
Edinburg, TX 78539
(956) 682-4800

South Texas Gastroenterology Associates
Rafael Amaro
5525 Doctors Dr
Edinburg, TX 78539
(956) 682-4800

South Texas Gastroenterology Associates
Sabrahmanya Behara
5525 Doctors Dr
Edinburg, TX 78539
(956) 682-4800

South Texas Gastroenterology Associates
Carlos J Cardenas
5525 Doctors Dr
Edinburg, TX 78539
(956) 682-4800

South Texas Gastroenterology Associates
Ingrid Chacon
5525 Doctors Dr
Edinburg, TX 78539
(956) 682-4800

Mid Valley Gastroenterology
S Murthy Badiga
902 S Airport
STE 6
Weslaco, TX 78596
(956) 973-2446

Oral C James MD
Oral C James
1806 Runnels Ave
Harlingen, TX 78550
(956) 423-9000

Roberto Ponce MD
Roberto Ponce
5700 N express way
brownsville, TX 78526

Pharr, Texas

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Esophageal pH Monitoring

What is esophageal pH monitoring?

Esophageal pH (pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution) monitoring is a procedure for measuring the reflux (regurgitation or backwash) of acid from the stomach into the esophagus that occurs in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

When is esophageal pH monitoring used?

Esophageal pH monitoring is used to diagnose GERD effects, to determine the effectiveness of medications that are given to prevent acid reflux, and to determine if episodes of acidic reflux are causing episodes of chest pain. Monitoring esophageal pH also can be used to determine if acid is reaching the pharynx (lower throat) and is possibly responsible for such symptoms as cough, hoarseness, and sore throat.

How is esophageal pH monitoring performed?

Esophageal pH monitoring is performed by passing a thin plastic catheter a sixteenth of an inch in diameter through one nostril, down the back of the throat, and into the esophagus as the patient swallows. The tip of the catheter contains a sensor that senses acid. The sensor is positioned in the esophagus so that it is just above the lower esophageal sphincter, a specialized area of esophageal muscle that lies at the junction of the esophagus and stomach and prevents acid from refluxing back up into the esophagus. In this position the sensor records each reflux of acid. The catheter protruding from the nose is connected to a recorder that registers each reflux of acid.

The patient is sent home with the catheter and recorder in place and returns the next day to have them removed. During the 24 hours that the catheter is in place, the patient goes about his or her usual activities, for example, eating, sleeping, and working. Meals, periods of sleep, and symptoms are recorded by the patient in a diary and/or by pushing buttons on the recorder. After the catheter is removed, the recorder ...

Recommended Reading Related to Esophageal pH Monitoring

Esophagitis »

What Is Esophagitis?

Esophagitis is an inflammation of the lining of the esophagus, the tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach. If left untreated, this condition can become very uncomfortable, causing problems with swallowing, ulcers, and scarring of the esophagus. In rare instances, a condition known as "Barrett's esophagus" may develop, which is a risk factor for esophageal cancer.

What Causes Esophagitis?

Esophagitis is caused by an infection or irritation in the esophagus. An infection can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or diseases that weaken the immune system. Infections that cause esophagitis include:

  • Candida. This is a yeast infection of the esophagus caused by the same fungus that causes vaginal yeast infections. The infection develops in the esophagus when the body's immune system is weak (such as in people with diabetes or HIV). It is usually very treatable with antifungal d...

Emergency Contact for Pharr

  • In case of Emergency, call 911

Nearby Pharr Hospitals *

McAllen Heart Hospital
1900 South D St
Mcallen, TX 78503
(956)994-2401

Rio Grande Regional Hospital
101 E Ridge Rd
Mcallen, TX 78503
(956)632-6000

McAllen Medical Center
301 W Expressway 83
Mcallen, TX 78503
(956)632-4000

LifeCare Hospitals of South Texas McAllen Campus North
5101 N Jackson Rd
Mcallen, TX 78504
(956)926-7000

Edinburg Regional Medical Center
1102 W Trenton Rd
Edinburg, TX 78539
(956)388-6000

LifeCare Hospitals of South Texas McAllen Campus South
2001 South M St
Mcallen, TX 78503
(956)688-4300

Doctors Hospital At Renaissance
5501 S McColl Rd
Edinburg, TX 78539
(956)661-7100

Mission Regional Medical Center
900 South Bryan Rd
Mission, TX 78572
(956)580-9000

Cornerstone Regional Hospital
2302 Cornerstone Blvd
Edinburg, TX 78539
(956)618-4444

Knapp Medical Center
1401 E 8th St
Weslaco, TX 78596
(956)968-8567

Harlingen Medical Center
5501 S Expressway 77
Harlingen, TX 78550
(956)365-1000

Valley Baptist Medical Center
2101 Pease St
Harlingen, TX 78550
(956)389-1100

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