For the test, a nurse will apply a numbing medication spray into the nose. Then a nurse will gently pass a small tube through the nose and into your esophagus. The esophagus is a muscular hollow tube that connects the mouth and stomach. This tube will be connected to small recorder that measures acidity and fluid or gas presence in the esophagus at every moment over 24 hours. You may a pressure in the nose or a tickle at the back of the throat. Some patients find this makes them want to swallow frequently until they get used to having the tube in place.

After the tube is placed some patients will be allowed to go home and return the recorder next day, while others will be required to stay in the hospital for 24 hours of the test.

Some reasons why you may need a pH-Impedance study:

• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Coughing
• Chest pain

What happens before and after the test?

Before the test, you are not supposed to eat or drink anything as this can cause problems nausea or vomiting with the tube placement. Please ask your doctor whether you should stop taking any current medications in advance before the test. During the test, you should continue with usual activities. A diary of symptoms (crying, coughing, chest pain, refusing to eat) helps determine whether acid or non-acid reflux into the esophagus is responsible for your complaints. Carbonated drinks should be avoided. The recorder should be disconnected if a bath or shower is taken. After the test, the tube is easily pulled from the nose.

After the test, if you have any of these symptoms, call your doctor or go to the Emergency Department:

• Tummy pain for more than an hour. Most patients feel fine after the test.
• Throwing up several times. To make sure this isn’t a problem, try to drink small amounts of drinks like Sprite or ginger ale, or eat a little bit of popsicle.
• Bleeding. Passing small amounts of blood (less than a spoonful) may be normal for 1-2 days, but if it is more than that or it continues let your doctor know.
• Fever