Indications for Esophageal Manometry and pH Testing

When people eat the stomach produces hydrochloric acid to aid in the digestion of food. The stomach has a lining to help protect it during the digestion process. The esophagus or “food pipe” does not have a lining to protect it, but depends on the valve (Lower Esophageal Sphincter or LES) to contract the esophagus during the digestion period. When the LES is weak stomach acid is then allowed into the esophagus causing irritation to the lining. Over a period of time severe inflammation may occur causing the following symptoms: 

  • Heartburn
  • Chest Discomfort
  • Difficulty swallowing

Benefits and Side Effects

There are no other imaging or diagnostic tests that provide information of how the esophagus muscle works or the degree and duration of acid reflux. Thus, making esophagel manometry and pH testing the standard for diagnosing esophageal function disorders. 

Generally, there are no serious side effect with Esophageal Manometry and pH testing. Testing is well tolerated once the tube is in place. Occasionally, patients may have a mild sore throat which resolves when the tube is removed. 

Indications for Hydrogen Breath Testing

Hydrogen Breath Testing is used in the diagnosis of multiple medical conditions:
Malabsorption studies done within our facility include but are not limited to the following:

  • Sorbitol Testing Screening for celiac sprue and/or gluten sensitivity
  • Lactose Testing Screening for lactose intolerance 
  • (indications – diarrhea, abdominal pain)
  • Fructose Testing Screening for fructose malabsorption 
  • (indications – symptoms that mask irritable bowel syndrome,
  • diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating)
  • Sucrose Testing Screening for sucrose malabsorption 
  • (indications – abdominal pain or bloating, diarrhea constipation)
  • D-Xylose Testing Screening for conditions in which protein is lost to excess into the 
  • Intestine
  • (indications – ulcerations / celiac sprue)
  • Bacterial Overgrowth Screening for achlorhydria (lack of acids in stomach)
  • Hypomotility caused by hypothyroidism
  • Intestinal Transit Time Screening for gastroparesis and dumping syndrome
  • (Lactulose Testing) (rapid passage of food through the GI tract)