Digestive Disorders Health Center
What Is Esophageal Manometry?
Esophageal manometry is an outpatient test used to identify swallowing problems. It measures the strength and muscle coordination of your esophagus when you swallow. The esophagus is the "food pipe" leading from the mouth to the stomach.
During the manometry test, a tube is passed through the nose, along the back of the throat, down the esophagus, and into the stomach.
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Who Gets Esophageal Manometry?
The esophageal manometry test may be given to people who have the following conditions:
- Swallowing problems
- Heartburn or reflux
- Chest pain
How Does Manometry Work?
Your esophagus moves food from your throat down to your stomach with a wave-like motion called peristalsis. Manometry will indicate how well the esophagus can perform peristalsis. Manometry also allows the doctor to examine the muscular valve connecting the esophagus with the stomach, called the lower esophageal sphincter, or LES. This valve relaxes to allow food and liquid to enter the stomach. It closes to prevent food and liquid from moving out of the stomach and back up the esophagus.
Abnormalities with peristalsis and LES function may cause symptoms such as swallowing difficulty, heartburn, or chest pain. Information obtained from manometry may help doctors to identify the problem. The information is also very important for antireflux surgery.
What Happens Before Manometry?
Before having manometry, be sure to tell the doctor if you are pregnant, have a lung or heart condition, have any other medical problems or diseases, or if you are allergic to any medications.
Can I Continue to Take Medication Before Manometry?
There are some drugs that may interfere with esophageal manometry. These include:
- Proton pump inhibitors (such as Prilosec, Protonix, Aciphex, and Nexium)
- H2 blockers (such as Pepcid and Zantac)
- Antacids (such as Tums and Maalox)
- Calcium channel blockers (such as Procardia and Cardizem)
- Nitrate medications (such as Isordil and nitroglycerin)
- Beta-blockers (such as Inderal and Corgard)
- Caffeine
It is very important that you talk to your doctor about all medications you are taking prior to your test.
Do not discontinue any medication without first consulting with your doctor
Can I Eat or Drink Before Manometry?
Do not eat or drink anything eight hours before having manometry.
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