Question 1

What is the Bravo pH monitor and how does the Bravo esophageal pH test work?

Accepted Answer

The Bravo pH monitor is meant to really answer the question—“Do I have relux or something else? Should I be on this PPI?”
A small capsule, about the size of a gel cap, is temporarily attached to the wall of the esophagus during an upper endoscopy. The capsule measures pH levels in the esophagus and transmits readings by radio telecommunications to a receiver (about the size of a pager) worn on your belt or waistband. The receiver has several buttons on it that you will press to record symptoms of GERD such as heartburn (the nurse will tell you what symptoms to record). You will be asked to maintain a diary to record certain events such as when you start and stop eating and drinking, when you lie down, and when you get back up. This will be explained by the nurse.

Question 2

Once the test has begun, what do I need to know and do?"

Accepted Answer

• Activity: Follow your usual daily routineNote: Do not get the receiver wet; it is not waterproof!
 • Eating: Eat your regular meals at the usual times. If you do not eat during the monitoring period, your stomach will not produce acid as usual, and the test results will not be accurate. Eat at least 2 meals a day. Eat foods that tend to increase your symptoms (without making yourself miserable). Avoid snacking. Do not suck on hard candy or lozenges and do not chew gum during the monitoring period.
 • Lying down: Remain upright throughout the day. Do not lie down until you go to bed (unless napping or lying down during the day is part of your daily routine).
 • Medications: Continue to follow your doctor’s advice regarding medications to avoid during the monitoring period.
 • Recording symptoms: Press the appropriate button on the receiver when symptoms occur (as discussed with the nurse). Record the time you start and stop eating and drinking (anything other than plain water). Record the time you lie down (even if just resting) and when you get back up. The nurse will explain this.
 • Unusual symptoms or side effects: If you think you may be experiencing any unusual symptoms or side effects, call your doctor.
You will return the receiver and diary when the monitoring period is over. The information on the receiver and diary will be downloaded to a computer and the results will be analyzed. Preliminary study data will be reviewed with you if you desire.
After completion of the study:
 • Resume your normal diet and medications.
 • Your doctor will discuss the results of your test with you during your next scheduled appointment.
 • Normal activities – such as swallowing, eating and drinking – will cause the disposable pH capsule to detach and pass through the digestive tract in 7 to 10 days on average.
 • No MRI exams (magnetic resonance imaging) should be performed for 30 days following capsule insertion.

BRAVO™ PH MONITORING

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