Before
Digestive System experts explain that the patient must be fasting for at least 6 to 8 hours before performing pHmetry. In addition, unless the prescribing physician indicates otherwise, it is necessary to suspend certain medications such as proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole, pantoprazole, lansoprazole, etc.) at least 7 days beforehand or H2 receptor antagonists (ranitidine, famotidine, etc.) at least 2 days beforehand. On the other hand, if the patient is taking other medications, such as calcium antagonists or nitrites, he/she should consult the prescribing physician about the need to discontinue them; the patient should never do this on his/her own.
During
During the 24 hours that the pHmetry lasts, the patient should write down on a sheet of paper the times when meals begin and end, as well as the rest periods and the presence and duration of symptoms such as burning, pain, coughing, nausea, etc. This information is essential for the correct interpretation of the results. In addition, it is important that during this time the patient follows his or her usual rhythm of life, without making any dietary, smoking or alcoholic restrictions, if they are part of the patient’s routine. This is the only way to reproduce the characteristics of reflux in a realistic manner. It is possible, however, that depending on the patient’s work activity, he/she may not be able to go to work on this day. The only thing the patient cannot do is shower or bathe, since the recording device cannot get wet.
Afterwards
After the test the patient will be able to lead a normal life and resume his or her usual pre-test medication.
Risks of 24h esophageal pHmetry
Esophageal pHmetry is usually well tolerated. The insertion and passage of the probe through the nose and throat causes at most some discomfort, although the patient quickly becomes accustomed to this sensation.
The most common risks associated with pHmetry are minor. During the placement of the probe, nausea, nasal or throat discomfort, irritating cough and sometimes small nosebleeds may occur, which usually subside spontaneously.
On the other hand, it very rarely happens that it is not possible to introduce the probe through the nose or that the patient is intolerant to it, so that premature termination of the test occurs.