Font Size

Esophagus Tests

(continued)

How It Feels

When the tube goes through your nose or mouth into your esophagus, you may feel like coughing or gagging. The test may be easier if you try to take slow, deep breaths. You may not like the taste of the lubricant on the tube.

If you have a test that involves adding acid to your stomach, you may have heartburn pain and other symptoms of acid reflux.

After the test is over, your throat may feel sore. But this should improve within a day or so.

Risks

The chances that you will have problems from an esophagus test are rare.

You may have irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias).
The tube may go down the windpipe (trachea) instead of the esophagus as it is being inserted.
You may vomit material from your stomach and then breathe it into your lungs (aspiration).
The tube may make a hole in the esophagus (perforation).

Results

Esophagus tests measure muscle pressure and movement, coordination, and strength of the tube that connects the throat to the stomach ( esophagus). It also tests how well the ring of muscles (sphincters) at the top and bottom of the esophagus work. Results are usually available in 2 to 3 hours.

**pH monitoring**
Normal:	The pH of the esophagus is between 4 and 6.
Abnormal:	The pH of the lower esophagus is frequently below 4. If acid is placed in the stomach, it lowers the pH of the lower esophagus.

**Esophageal manometry**
Normal:	The pressure of the muscle contractions that move food down the esophagus is normal. The muscle contractions follow a normal pattern down the esophagus. Normal pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is about 15 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). The pressure is less than 10 mm Hg when the LES relaxes to let food pass into the stomach.
Abnormal:	Muscle spasms are present in the esophagus. Contractions along the esophagus are weak. The LES pressure is less than 10 mm Hg. The LES pressure is high and fails to relax after swallowing.

Many conditions can change the results of esophagus tests. Your doctor will discuss any significant abnormal results with you in relation to your symptoms and past health.

What Affects the Test

Reasons you may not be able to have the test or why the results may not be helpful include:

Medicines used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), such as antacids (Tums or Rolaids), acid reducers (Axid, Pepcid, Tagamet, or Zantac), or proton pump inhibitors (Prevacid, Prilosec, Nexium).
Medicines used to treat asthma and emphysema, especially theophylline.
Medicines used to treat Parkinson's disease, muscle spasms in the bladder and intestines, and some eye problems.
Corticosteroids, such as prednisone.
Heart and blood pressure medicines, such as calcium channel blockers, alpha-blockers, and beta-blockers.
Medicines that act on the nervous system, such as antianxiety medicines, anesthetics, and narcotics.
Smoking or drinking alcohol within 24 hours of the test.
Eating or drinking within 8 hours of the test.

< Previous Page

1 | 2 | 3 | 4

Next Page >

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: April 30, 2009

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.