BRAVO pH Testing: A Modern Approach to Understanding Acid Reflux
Acid reflux is more than just the occasional bout of heartburn. For others, chronic symptoms can be an unrelenting and debilitating experience that impacts day-to-day living. Medically known as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), it happens when acid from the stomach comes back up the oesophagus and causes the sensation of heartburn. But how do we know just how frequently this reflux occurs, and how acidic it is?
That’s where BRAVO pH testing comes in – a state-of-the-art, minimally invasive procedure that can give us an accurate and comprehensive look at your acid levels over time. If you’ve been suffering from symptoms like chest pain, a persistent cough, or difficulty swallowing, your consultant might suggest that you have this test to find out what’s going on.
We’re going to delve into how the BRAVO pH test operates, what to expect, and why it is important in the management of acid reflux.
What is BRAVO pH Testing?
The BRAVO pH test is an advanced diagnostic that tests to see if and how much stomach acid is being regurgitated into the lower oesophagus. It utilises a small capsule, the size of a gelcap, which is attached to the wall of your oesophagus and can be implanted during a short visit to the endoscopy suite.
The capsule measures acid exposure over 48 hours and sends data wirelessly to a recorder the patient wears. This enables doctors to receive an accurate, around-the-clock picture of your reflux activity as you go about your ordinary day – eating, sleeping and even exercising – without the nuisance of tubes or wires.
It is particularly appealing for individuals who have symptoms that don’t appear during a single visit to a clinic and who haven’t responded to standard treatment for acid reflux.
Why Might You Need BRAVO pH Testing?
You may be advised to undergo BRAVO pH testing if you are experiencing certain symptoms of GORD such as:
- Chronic heartburn and episodes of acid regurgitation
- Trouble swallowing or feeling that food gets stuck
- Nighttime coughing that persists (over time, this can wear the throat down and prevent the cough from going away)
- Loss of voice or sore throat not due to a cold
- Non-cardiac chest pain
Diagnostic information from the BRAVO test may be used when prior therapies didn’t address specific symptoms or to verify that acid reflux is the source of symptoms. The test can also help direct decisions about long-term management of treatment, like changes in medication or the need for surgery.
How is the Bravo pH Capsule Placed?
The process starts with a short endoscopy, where your doctor will examine your oesophagus with a flexible camera. When the spot is deemed perfect, a small BRAVO capsule is carefully attached to the wall of the oesophagus. It is a fast, well-tolerated procedure, often performed with conscious sedation.
You will be sent home shortly after the procedure with a small recorder that collects data transmitted by the capsule. Over the next two days, you’ll be asked to keep a diary of your symptoms, meals and activities, which helps your doctor correlate reflux episodes with lifestyle and symptoms.
After 48 hours, you will return the equipment, and the data will be evaluated to determine how frequently and for how long acid flows back. The capsule then spontaneously detaches from the wall of the oesophagus after 7-10 days and passes naturally through the digestive system.
What Makes BRAVO pH Testing Unique?
Among the greatest advantages of the BRAVO test is patient comfort and ease. Unlike traditional pH probes, which require wearing a nasal tube for 24 hours, BRAVO gives the flexibility to live life without the limitations of a tube, including fewer interruptions to daily activities and sleep.
It also offers more realistic data, since patients are more likely to act naturally without being encumbered by tubes. This makes the results more reliable and leads to better decisions regarding treatment.
Is BRAVO pH Testing Safe?
Yes. The BRAVO pH test is considered a safe and low-risk procedure. Occasionally, some patients may experience slight chest pressure, a sore throat or sensation of a lump in the throat for a brief period after the capsule is placed, though this discomfort typically passes quite quickly.
Serious complications are uncommon but may include minor bleeding or premature detachment of the capsule. Before the procedure, your specialist will discuss all potential risks and benefits with you.
Conclusion: Is It Time to Take a Closer Look at Your Acid Reflux?
Persistent symptoms of acid reflux should not be ignored. With advanced diagnostic tools such as the BRAVO pH test, specialists can now more accurately evaluate your acid reflux and tailor a treatment plan to your needs – whether that means medication, dietary modifications, or surgical options.
If you’ve been suffering from reflux and want a clear answer, this test may be an important step in reclaiming your digestive health.
Call to Action
To discuss this treatment or investigation, please book an appointment with our specialists.
To learn more, visit the Cleveland Clinic Bravo pH Testing Page.
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