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Esophageal pH Monitoring Center - Sioux City, IA

Sioux City 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 Sioux City *

K L Preston DO
K L Preston
2918 Hamilton Blvd
STE D
Sioux City, IA 51104
(712) 277-2717

J W Roat MD
J W Roat
2910 Hamilton Blvd
Sioux City, IA 51104
(712) 252-1322

James L Hartje MD
James Hartje
2730 Pierce St
RM 403
Sioux City, IA 51104
(712) 255-5835

Michael V Persaud MD
Michael V Persaud
2921 Golden Drive
Sioux City, IA 51105
(712) 255-1414

Gastroenterology Consultants
Vedhagiri Selvakumar
801 Harmony St
STE STE 201
Council Bluffs, IA 51503
(712) 323-1230

Gary D Volentine MD
Gary D Volentine
801 Harmony St
STE 404
Council Bluffs, IA 51503
(712) 322-2332

Sioux City, Iowa

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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 Sioux City

  • In case of Emergency, call 911

Nearby Sioux City Hospitals *

Mercy Medical Center Sioux City
801 5th St
Sioux City, IA 51101
(712)279-2010

St Luke's Regional Medical Center
2720 Stone Park Blvd
Sioux City, IA 51104
(712)279-3500

Floyd Valley Hospital
714 Lincoln St NE
Le Mars, IA 51031
(712)546-7871

Pender Community Hospital
603 Earl St
Pender, NE 68047
(402)385-3083

Sanford Health Vermillion
20 S Plum St
Vermillion, SD 57069
(605)624-2611

Hawarden Community Hospital
1111 11th St
Hawarden, IA 51023
(712)551-3100

Providence Medical Center
1200 Providence Rd
Wayne, NE 68787
(402)375-3800

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