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patient education : 03027--ESOPHAGEAL PH / IMPEDANCE PH MONITORING

Instructions for preparation before a test to measure how much stomach acid and non-acid backs up into the esophagus from Digestive Health Center.

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PDF document icon PE03027Esophageal PHImpedancePHMonitoring.pdf — PDF document, 35 KB (36633 bytes)
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    Esophageal PH / Impedance PH Monitoring

    Read these instructions at least a week before you come for your procedure

    WHY DO I NEED THIS TEST?

    This test will help measure how much stomach acid and non-acid backs up into your swallowing tube (esophagus). You may need this test if you have:

    • Heartburn and/or chest pain
    • Hoarseness, coughing or breathing problems
    • Difficulty with swallowing

    How should I get ready for this test?

    • Do not eat for 4 hours before you have the test. You may have sips of water.
    • You must check with your doctor if you should stop your Prilosec, Prevacid, Aciphex, Protonix, Nexium, Zegarid or Kapidex. If you are told to stop the medicine, you must stop 5 days before your test.
    • You may take these medications up to midnight the day before your test: Antacids (Maalox, Tums, Rolaids), Tagamet, Zantac, Pepcid, Axid
    • Arrive at 500 Monroe Lane UVA Endoscopy 15 minutes before your appointment.
    • Please limit the number of people you bring with you to our waiting room.
    • Bring a list of current medications and medication allergies with you.
    • You may take your morning medications (other than those mentioned above) as usual.

    Registration

    • When you arrive enter our waiting room and check-in at the reception desk. 
    • After registration, you will be called to the procedure area.

     How do I take this test?

    • A nurse will explain the test to you.  Ask them any questions you might have.
    • This is an overnight study. You will be allowed to go home.
    • We may numb your nose and throat to pass a small tube through your nose and into your esophagus. This allows us to measure how much acid comes up into your esophagus.
    • You will be asked to eat and resume normal activities while the tube is in.
    • You will need to return the following day at the assigned time to have the tube and monitor removed.

    What happens after the exam?

    • You may restart all medications once the tube is removed.
    • Your nose and throat may feel scratchy for a short while.
    • Before you leave, you will be given discharge instructions. Please contact the physician who ordered your procedure to obtain test results as it relates to your plan of care.
    • After you leave, if you have any concerns related to your test please call the hospital operator (434) 924-0000 and ask for the GI doctor on-call.  You may also go to your local emergency room.
    • If you have questions about the test please call (434) 297-5665
    • If you need to cancel or reschedule your test, please call (434) 924-9999.
    • If you are out of the area, you may use 1-800-251-3627 and ask the operator to connect you to any of the above numbers.
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