Decoding Your Discomfort: pH-metry & pH-impedance Measurement What is pH-metry and pH-impedance Measurement? pH-metry is a specialized diagnostic test used to measure the amount of acid that "refluxes" (backs up) from your stomach into your esophagus over a 24-hour period. pH-impedance is an even more advanced version of this test; it doesn''t just detect acid—it can also identify non-acidic liquids and gas that might be traveling the wrong way. The procedure involves the placement of a very thin, flexible tube (catheter) through your nose and into the esophagus. The tube is connected to a small recorder worn on your belt. For 24 hours, you go about your normal routine—eating, sleeping, and working—while the device captures every instance of reflux. This "real-world" data allows our specialists to see exactly what happens inside your body when you experience symptoms. Why is this Investigation Personally Vital for You? Many people suffer from "heartburn" that doesn''t respond to standard medications. This investigation is personally vital for you if: You Seek an Accurate Diagnosis: You want to know for certain if your chest pain, cough, or sore throat is caused by reflux or something else entirely. Medications Are Not Working: You have been taking acid-blockers but still feel discomfort; pH-impedance can determine if "non-acid reflux" is the hidden cause of your symptoms. You are Considering Reflux Surgery: Before a surgical repair (like a fundoplication) is performed, this test provides the essential proof that reflux is the true cause of your symptoms, ensuring the surgery will be successful. You Want to Link Symptoms to Activity: By pressing a button on the recorder when you feel pain, you help your doctor see a direct correlation between your symptoms and your body''s internal activity. The Path to Lasting Reflux Relief The goal of this study is to move beyond guesswork and provide a data-driven plan for your recovery. This pathway is designed to: Pinpoint the Root Cause: By measuring the frequency and duration of reflux episodes, we can determine exactly how severe your condition is and how best to treat it. Prioritize Your Safety: To ensure the procedure is appropriate for you, we require a full medical history, diagnostic X-rays (to check esophageal anatomy), and blood tests. These steps confirm that your system is ready for the 24-hour monitoring period. A Focused Recovery and Stabilization Window: While the tube is only in place for one day, we focus on a 2-3 week recovery and stabilization period. This window includes the time needed for our specialists to analyze the complex data, discuss the findings with you in a follow-up consultation, and stabilize your digestive system on a new, targeted treatment plan. All details are subject to doctor evaluation for the final treatment plan.