Your doctor may need additional information about your condition to properly treat your acid reflux. Other tests are sometimes done to evaluate people with acid reflux and related problems, in addition to the mandatory diagnostic testing.   The two most common tests done to confirm a diagnosis of acid reflux, or to explore problems with similar symptoms, include a 24 hour pH probe exam and an upper GI series. These procedures are helpful in diagnosing related conditions, such as peptic ulcer disease, and in monitoring the progress of treatment interventions. Once treatment has been started for acid reflux, it is important to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment. Often this can be done by monitoring symptoms, but sometimes repeating a procedure to compare the results is the most effective way. The 24 hour pH probe exam is used to confirm the diagnosis of acid reflux disease in people that have acid reflux symptoms that are not the most common ones, and if the results of the endoscopy were not conclusive.  It is also used to determine the effectiveness of some treatments, and to find the cause of other problems like nighttime coughing or hoarseness. The test measures the pH of the esophagus over a 24 hour period. This helps your doctor to know if acid is in the esophagus when it shouldn't be. Your doctor will provide you with complete instructions on how to prepare for the test. Commonly instructions recommend no food or water for 2 hours before the procedure. During the procedure, a numbing medication will be placed in your nasal passages to make the insertion of the tube more comfortable. Once the tube is in place, it will be taped down against your face and nose to keep it in place. A small carrying case/backpack that contains a recording unit is attached to the tube. You will also be given a diary to record specific details of symptoms, when you eat or drink, and other information you doctor needs to know. The recording unit collects data for 24 hours. This information will be correlated with your diary entries to determine if there are problems with abnormal acid levels in your esophagus. After 18 to 24 hours, you will return to the hospital or clinic and the tube will be removed. Maintain your normal routines as much as possible to provide accurate readings and information. An upper GI series uses fluoroscopy, or constant and real-time x-rays, to create images of the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. The procedure is non-invasive and uses a barium contrast material to look for problems in your upper gastrointestinal tract. Many possible medical conditions, including acid reflux, can be diagnosed or confirmed using an upper GI series.  Your doctor will provide you with detailed instructions on how to prepare for the procedure. Most of the time, you will be asked not to chew gum, or eat or drink anything, including your routine medications, for several hours before the procedure. The procedure will be done in a hospital, clinic, or surgical center. You will be monitored by a radiologist since fluoroscopy is involved. Fluoroscopy is a form of x-ray. Jewelry, some dental appliances, eye glasses, and other metal objects will need to be removed before the procedure begins. You will be asked to wear a hospital gown for the procedure. You will be asked to drink some form of contrast media, such as barium. Next you will be asked to lie down on a special table that is part of the fluoroscopy equipment. This makes your organs visible to the equipment so the radiologist can see how they are working in real-time. Pictures are taken as the contrast medium travels through your upper GI tract.  The table may tilt or move during the procedure so the images can be as thorough as possible. The entire exam takes about 20 to 30 minutes. During and after the exam, you may feel bloated if certain types of gas-producing materials were used. In most cases, you can resume your normal diet and regular medications immediately following the exam. The barium may cause your stools to be gray or white and you may feel constipated for two to three days following the procedure. Drink extra fluids if needed to help your body resume a regular schedule. The radiologist will review the results of your study and send a full report to your doctor. Your doctor will talk with you about the results of the procedure.
فكر في الخضوع لاختبارات تكميلية. اخضع لاختبار سبر الحمض المتنقّل لمدة 24 ساعة. اخضع لاختبار تصوير الجهاز الهضمي العلوي بالصبغة.