What is Bravo pH monitoring? - DeKalb Medical's Heartburn Solutions Center

Bravo pH monitoring is a minimally invasive test for evaluation of heartburn or related symptoms. At DeKalb Medical's Heartburn Solutions Center, this test is used to determine what is causing your symptoms and then to help doctors prescribe treatment for you. This video goes over what you need to know about the test.

The number one reason people visit their GI (gastrointestinal) doctor is for heartburn. Due to the increasing diagnosis of GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease), DeKalb Medical created a comprehensive Heartburn Solutions Center on its campus to address the needs of the community. Reflux disease occurs when the main muscle in the esophagus doesn't work properly. Its inappropriate relaxation causes acid to back up from the stomach into the esophagus and, over time, the acid can wear away tissue, cause pain and even cancer. Symptoms of GERD can range from mild heartburn, which may occur once or twice a week, to severe acid reflux where patients choke while lying down because the acid goes up from their stomach and into their lungs.

The comprehensive testing options at the DeKalb Medical Heartburn Solutions Center are keeping pace with this growing disease. The Center performs manometry testing, Bravo pH monitoring, and upper endoscopy and barium studies, all of which help doctors determine the root cause of reflux in the patient. Treatments may include lifestyle changes, medication or surgery. Some patients who have side effects from medicine, or don't want to face long-term use of medication are candidates for the surgical solutions that DeKalb Medical offers.

For more information about GERD testing and treatment options at the DeKalb Medical Heartburn Solutions Center, visit www.HeartburnSolutionsCenter.com or call 404.501.4844.