Do you suffer from heartburn or reflux?
While occasional heartburn may be normal, millions of people suffer from chronic esophageal reflux which has symptoms like heartburn, chest pain, indigestion or a bitter taste in your mouth. These symptoms can interfere with daily life and may be associated with a more serious problem known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
GERD can damage the esophagus and, if left untreated, may lead to more serious medical problems. Reflux monitoring at Baptist East may be a good way to evaluate these symptoms. By identifying the frequency and duration of reflux, doctors can decide on a treatment option for a patient’s symptoms.
Here’s how we do it.
Capsule-based Bravo pH monitoring collects data that can determine the frequency and duration of reflux. This patient-friendly test collects information from your esophagus over multiple days which allows our doctors and nurses the ability to evaluate reflux symptoms by determining the frequency and duration of acid flowing back up into the esophagus.
Bravo pH monitoring uses a miniature pH capsule that attaches to the esophagus, and the pH data collected from the esophagus can be wirelessly transmitted to a small recorder worn on a shoulder strap or waistband. The capsule design allows patients to take the small recorder off to sleep and shower without interrupting the pH test and allows them to maintain a regular diet and activities during the test.
Because Bravo pH monitoring allows patients to maintain their normal lifestyle, patients are provided with a convenient and more accurate way to evaluate heartburn symptoms. Want more information? Call (334) 273-4444.
Do you have trouble swallowing?
Baptist East offers esophageal manometry, a procedure that measures the strength and function of the muscles in your esophagus (the “food pipe”) that work to push food and liquids from the mouth down to the stomach. This simple test measures esophageal motor function and measures pressure. This patient-friendly diagnostic technology allows physicians to evaluate the esophagus and determine what may be causing heartburn, chest pain, difficulty swallowing or esophageal reflux. The test takes approximately 15-30 minutes and causes minimal discomfort.
Baptist Medical Center East offers procedures to help. Watch the video below to learn more.
Dr. Streetman Explains Surgical Options for Reflux at Baptist Medical Center East from Baptist Health on Vimeo.