Esophageal Manometry
Esophageal manometry is an outpatient test used to identify problems with movement and pressure in the esophagus that may lead to problems like heartburn. The esophagus is the "food pipe" leading from the mouth to the stomach. Manometry measures the strength and muscle coordination of your esophagus when you swallow.
During the manometry test, a thin, pressure-sensitive tube is passed through the nose, along the back of the throat, down the esophagus, and into the stomach.
Effects of Uncontrolled Heartburn
For most people, the painful burning sensation in the chest that comes from heartburn is just an occasional mild annoyance. But for those who experience it on a regular basis, uncontrolled heartburn can turn into a very serious problem. Heartburn is the most common symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. GERD results from the improper working of the a valve, called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), that normally keeps food and acids inside the stomach. When it doesn't work correctly,...
Read the Effects of Uncontrolled Heartburn article > >
The esophageal manometry test may be given to people who have the following conditions:
Your esophagus moves food from your throat down to your stomach with a wave-like motion called peristalsis. Manometry will indicate how well the esophagus can perform peristalsis. Manometry also allows the doctor to examine the muscular valve connecting the esophagus with the stomach, called the lower esophageal sphincter, or LES. This valve relaxes to allow food and liquid to enter the stomach. It closes to prevent food and liquid from moving out of the stomach and back up the esophagus.
Abnormalities with peristalsis and LES function may cause symptoms such as swallowing difficulty, heartburn, or chest pain. Information obtained from manometry may help doctors to identify the problem. The information is also very important for surgery to treat reflux.
Before you have an esophageal manometry test, be sure to tell the doctor if you are pregnant, have a lung or heart condition, have any other medical problems or diseases, or if you are allergic to any medications.
There are some medications that may interfere with esophageal manometry.
It is very important that you talk to your doctor about all drugs you are taking prior to your test. Do not discontinue any medication without first consulting with your doctor.
During the manometry test, a thin, pressure-sensitive tube is passed through the nose, along the back of the throat, down the esophagus, and into the stomach.
Recommended Related to Heartburn/GERD
Effects of Uncontrolled Heartburn
For most people, the painful burning sensation in the chest that comes from heartburn is just an occasional mild annoyance. But for those who experience it on a regular basis, uncontrolled heartburn can turn into a very serious problem. Heartburn is the most common symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. GERD results from the improper working of the a valve, called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), that normally keeps food and acids inside the stomach. When it doesn't work correctly,...
Read the Effects of Uncontrolled Heartburn article > >
Who Would Get Esophageal Manometry?
The esophageal manometry test may be given to people who have the following conditions:
- Difficulty swallowing
- Heartburn or reflux
- Non-cardiac Chest pain
- Prior to anti-reflux surgery
How Does Esophageal Manometry Work?
Your esophagus moves food from your throat down to your stomach with a wave-like motion called peristalsis. Manometry will indicate how well the esophagus can perform peristalsis. Manometry also allows the doctor to examine the muscular valve connecting the esophagus with the stomach, called the lower esophageal sphincter, or LES. This valve relaxes to allow food and liquid to enter the stomach. It closes to prevent food and liquid from moving out of the stomach and back up the esophagus.
Abnormalities with peristalsis and LES function may cause symptoms such as swallowing difficulty, heartburn, or chest pain. Information obtained from manometry may help doctors to identify the problem. The information is also very important for surgery to treat reflux.
What Happens Before the Esophageal Manometry Test?
Before you have an esophageal manometry test, be sure to tell the doctor if you are pregnant, have a lung or heart condition, have any other medical problems or diseases, or if you are allergic to any medications.
Can I Continue to Take Medication Before Esophageal Manometry?
There are some medications that may interfere with esophageal manometry.
- Proton pump inhibitors (Rabeprazole [Aciphex], Dexlansoprazole [Dexilant], Esomeprazole [Nexium], Lansoprazole [Prevacid], Omeprazole [Prilosec], and Pantoprazole [Protonix].
- H2 blockers (such as Famotidine [Pepcid] and Ranitidine [Zantac])
- Antacids (such as Tums and Maalox)
- Calcium channel blockers (such as Nifedipine [Procardia] and Diltiazem [Cardizem])
- Nitrate medications (such as Isosorbide Dinitrate [Isordil] and nitroglycerin)
- Beta-blockers (such as Propranolol [Inderal] and Nadolol [Corgard])
- Caffeine
It is very important that you talk to your doctor about all drugs you are taking prior to your test. Do not discontinue any medication without first consulting with your doctor.
SHARE
