Acid Reflux Monitoring Columbia, MD

Wireless intraesophageal pH monitoring is often performed to evaluate severity of reflux and to determine of symptoms such as cough could be related to acid reflux.  Conventional pH monitoring uses a small probe that is inserted through your nostril and positioned near the lower esophagus.  Dr. Schub performs newer, wireless pH monitoring utilizing Given Imaging’s Bravo pH Monitoring System.  Ambulatory pH testing is considered the gold standard for pH measurement and monitoring of gastric reflux.

For this procedure, a small wireless device is placed in the esophagus during an upper endoscopy.  This device measures changes in pH that may occur with acid reflux for 48 hours.  It wirelessly transmits this data to a small receiver worn on your belt or waistband.  Data can be transmitted approximately 3 feet, which means you can take the receiver off to shower and sleep without interrupting the test.  At the end of the study, the data recorder is returned to our office.  Several days after the test, the capsule naturally falls off the wall of the esophagus and passes through your digestive tract.

The Bravo System allows you to perform your normal activities during the pH test, which has the potential to provide a more accurate picture of your acid exposure compared to data collected using catheter-based systems.  The data recorded from the study is then analyzed by Dr. Schub to determine if symptoms are caused by reflux.