Esophageal pH Monitoring
EPH
Description
"Esophageal pH Monitoring" test measures how often and how much acid flows into your esophagus over a 24-hour period. It’s typically used to diagnose GERD or evaluate treatment effectiveness when symptoms persist. A thin probe or wireless capsule tracks acid exposure during daily activities. This test is especially useful for identifying the cause of heartburn, chest discomfort, or chronic cough. Based on results, doctors tailor treatment plans involving medication, diet changes, or lifestyle adjustments to manage acid reflux.
Category
GI Tract Function
Procedure
Invasive
Sample Type
No biological sample is needed for this test.
Units
Potential Of Hydrogen
Procedure Category
Insert, Measure
Test Group
Endoscopic Procedure Group
Test Group Description
Endoscopic Procedure Group: This group encompasses a range of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed using an endoscope, a flexible tube with a camera and light at its tip. These procedures allow healthcare providers to visualize internal organs and tissues, such as the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory system, and urinary tract.
Optimal Range
For All Individuals:
Esophageal pH: Not Available
Normal Range
For All Individuals:
Esophageal pH: Approximately 7.0 pH
Results That Differ From The Norm (Direct and Indirect Causes)
Abnormal results may indicate:
Acid reflux (Backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus)
Barrett esophagus (Condition where the tissue lining the esophagus changes due to repeated exposure to stomach acid)
Dysphagia (Difficulty swallowing)
Esophageal strictures (Narrowing of the esophagus)
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (Chronic condition characterized by acid reflux ...
Key Reasons For Testing
Acid Reflux Monitoring: Esophageal pH monitoring measures the frequency and duration of acid reflux episodes in the esophagus over 24–48 hours.
GERD Diagnosis: Quantifies reflux severity to distinguish physiological reflux from GERD-related pathological reflux.
Treatment Effectiveness: Assesses the impact of therapies or lifestyle changes on reducing reflux episodes and alleviating symptoms.
Preoperative Evaluation...
Health Status Conditions It May Be Used To Assess
Currently, this test is not directly associated with any conditions listed on the Health Status page. However, it may be included as part of a broader set of tests linked to specific health conditions.
Some Prominent Medical Labs That May Offer This Test
Please note that this particular test has not been associated with any of the listed prominent medical labs. We recommend enquiring with your private physician or nearest hospital to determine where this specific test can be performed.
References
Important Note
Any medical procedure yielding results outside the norm may be directly or indirectly linked to the conditions outlined on this page. Various factors, including genetics, medication and supplement usage, recent illnesses, pregnancy, pre-test eating, smoking, and stress, can impact the test's outcome. Additionally, factors like false positives, false negatives, inaccurate analyses, and others can influence results.
Reference ranges, which help healthcare professionals interpret medical tests, may vary depending on age, gender, and other factors. They may also differ between laboratories due to variations in instruments and methods used. Optimal ranges are designed for preventive purposes, aiming to identify trends and potential risks early, while normal ranges reflect conventional laboratory values indicating no current disease or pathology. Your healthcare practitioner may have specific reasons for testing that deviate from the usual or may interpret results differently based on individual circumstances. Proper interpretation typically involves considering clinical findings and other diagnostic tests. Hence, it is crucial to provide your healthcare professionals with a comprehensive medical history, consult with them for result interpretation, and follow their guidance for potential re-testing or additional diagnostics.
Disclaimer
This content is provided solely for informative and educational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. Regarding the interpretation of their medical test results and/or specific health questions, it is recommended that all readers and viewers consult their physicians or other qualified health professionals. The publisher is not responsible for any adverse health effects that may result from reading or following the information in this educational content. Before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program, all viewers, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physician or health care practitioner.
Please note that while prominent lab names are included in this content, we cannot guarantee that these labs offer all the tests mentioned. For confirmation, individuals should contact the labs directly or consult their medical practitioners. The information provided reflects general knowledge at the time of publication and may not include recent updates or emerging research. Readers should verify details with qualified professionals to ensure the most up-to-date and accurate guidance.
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