24-Hour pH & Impedance Monitoring

What is This Test?

This is a special test that measures acid reflux and non-acid reflux in your food pipe (esophagus) over a full 24-hour period. It helps your doctor find out if your symptoms like heartburn, chest pain, regurgitation, or chronic cough are caused by stomach contents coming back up into the esophagus.

❓ Why Is It Done?

You may be advised this test if:

• You have ongoing acid reflux symptoms despite medication
• Your endoscopy is normal, but symptoms continue
• You are being evaluated for surgery (like fundoplication)
• You have unexplained cough, sore throat, hoarseness, or chest discomfort that may be due to reflux
• Doctors need to know if non-acid reflux is causing your symptoms

🔬 What Does the Test Measure?

• pH: Measures acid level in your esophagus
• Impedance: Detects movement of liquid, air, or food – even if it’s not acidic

This combined method helps detect all types of reflux (acidic and non-acidic) and their relationship with your symptoms.

🛠 How Is It Done?

1. A thin, flexible tube is gently passed through your nose into your esophagus.
2. It is connected to a small recorder worn on your waist or shoulder.
3. The tube stays in place for 24 hours, and you go home with it.
4. You can eat, drink, work, and sleep normally during the test.

🎛️ Using the Button Box (Symptom Diary)

You will be trained on how to use the recorder’s buttons to log your symptoms.

• You’ll press a button each time you feel heartburn, chest pain, regurgitation, cough, etc.
• This helps match your symptoms to reflux episodes for accurate diagnosis.

You'll also keep a simple food and sleep diary to mark meal times, body position (lying down), and symptoms.
✅ This is a key part of the test and helps your doctor understand what triggers your symptoms.

📋 How to Prepare

• Stop acid-reducing medications (like PPIs or H2 blockers) if advised, 5–7 days before the test
• Avoid heavy meals or acidic food on test day
• Wear comfortable clothes
• Don’t shower or bathe while wearing the recorder

🧪 After the Test

• The tube will be removed after 24 hours at the clinic
• The recorder data is analyzed to see:
  • How many reflux episodes occurred
  • Were they acid or non-acid
  • Whether they matched your symptoms

✅ Good to Know:

• It’s safe, painless, and non-surgical
• May feel slightly uncomfortable at first, but most people manage easily
• Helps decide if you need medicines, surgery, or other tests
• Does not involve radiation