The Bravo esophageal pH test, or Bravo test for short, is performed by gastroenterologists. Patients suffering from pain and burning in their throat and chest are usually patients in need of this test. Today’s blog will inform you of the Bravo esophageal pH test facts you must know.
What the Bravo esophageal pH test is used for:
The Bravo test measures and records the pH level in your esophagus to determine if you have GERD, gastroesophageal reflux disease. This test is one of two that detects GERD: combined pH/ Impedance monitoring and the second being the Bravo esophageal pH test. The purpose for this test is to verify the presence of GERD and the necessary actions to treat patients with it.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease causes stomach acids to creep up the esophagus, our food pipe connecting the stomach to the mouth. The lower esophageal sphincter is the muscle where the esophagus meets the stomach. The muscle opens to allow food into the stomach.
If the sphincter muscle does not close tightly, food particles and acids will rise into the esophagus. This is called GERD. This test allows doctors to record how much and how often stomach contents reflux into the esophagus.
How to prepare for the test:
If you plan to have an MRI during the test dates or 30 days after, you are not a candidate for the Bravo test. People with pacemakers, implantable defibrillators, or neurostimulators cannot use this type of pH monitoring. Patients will a history of bleeding diathesis, strictures, severe esophagitis, varices, obstruction, and prior esophageal resection cannot have the Bravo test.
Inform your doctor of any medical history involving anything listed above. Follow instructions given by your doctor. The following are common instructions, but follow your health care provider’s advice over anything read online.
Seven days before the procedure, some doctors may instruct patients not to take proton pump inhibitors. Two days before the endoscopy, do not take H2 blockers. Six hours or more before the test, do not take antacids. Usually patients are instructed not to eat or drink six hours before the test.
How doctors perform the Bravo test:
During an upper endoscopy, a gastroenterologist feeds a catheter into the esophagus and temporarily attaches a small capsule to the lining of the esophagus with a clip. The catheter is removed leaving the capsule attached to the esophagus for the duration of the test. The capsule is about the size of a gel cap or an eraser on a pencil. Because the capsule is inserted using anesthesia, you will need someone to drive you home.
Resume normal activity and sleeping schedules. Continue normal diet and eating habits. Discuss which medications are acceptable to take for the testing duration.
For 48 hours, the capsule measures the pH levels in the esophagus and transmits the information to a receiver via radio telecommunications. The receiver is worn on your waistband or a belt, and it is only the size of a pager. A nurse will instruct you of the symptoms to record.
Keep a diary:
To record while having a symptom such as heartburn, you would press the button on the receiver to show the doctor when you felt the heartburn. You should journal the times of when you lie down, get up, and the beginning and end of a meal or drink.
The type of food and drink should also be written down. The diary will assist the doctor when interpreting results. There are plenty of instructions your doctor or nurse will give you.
After the test:
After 48 hours, you will return to the doctor’s office. You may have the option of sending the receiver to the doctor as opposed to making another trip. The receiver is then attached to a computer to download the recorded information.
The capsule naturally detaches from the esophageal lining and will passed in a bowel movement. The capsule is not reusable. This new way of testing far surpasses past methods of this test.
Advantages of the test:
In the past, the catheter would stay in the patient’s throat for the duration of a shorter test. This discouraged patients from continuing every day life. Ultimately, the shorter and uncomfortable test did not yield accurate representation of daily life symptoms because of patients avoiding normal routines.
Once your doctor finds causes or presence of GERD, the treatment may begin. Your provider may recommend over the counter antacids if the results are not severe. Other prescriptions or procedures may be necessary for worse cases.
Relief is on its way! Thank you for reading this week’s blog post. Schedule your next appointment with Gastroenterology Consultants of Central Florida! Come back next week for the newest gastroenterology information.
Staff Writer