Do you also feel like you are choking when swallowing food, or something is stuck in your throat? Or do you have problems like food coming back up into your throat after eating, or chest pain? Maybe you are taking medicine for this, but those conditions are not getting better. At times like these, your doctor may recommend you to undergo a special test. One such important test is the Esophageal Manometry Test. Let's talk about this simply.
What is this Esophageal Manometry Test?
Simply put, this is a test that measures how well the muscles in your esophagus are working. Now imagine that our esophagus is like a tube made of muscles that carries food from our mouth to our stomach. When we swallow something, the muscles in this tube act like a wave to push the food down, that is, into our stomach. Also, these muscles help to prevent food that has gone into the stomach from coming back up.
So, what this Esophageal Manometry test does is measure exactly how the muscles in your esophagus are functioning, or how they move (motility).
Why is it necessary to conduct such a test?
Usually, if your doctor has performed other tests, such as an endoscopy, but cannot find a cause for your symptoms, they may refer you to this test as the next step. This is because even if there is no problem with the shape of the esophagus, there may be a problem with its function.
This test may be necessary if you have the following symptoms.
| Symptom | Simply put... |
|---|---|
| Difficulty or pain in swallowing | Feeling of a lump in the throat or pain when swallowing food or drink. |
| Regurgitation | Food or liquids that have gone into the stomach come back up into the throat. |
| Chest pain that doesn't respond to medication | Chest inflammation that persists despite taking medication for gastritis. |
| Chest pain that is not heart disease | An unexplained pain in the chest that is not due to heart disease. |
What can be found in this test?
Manometry is a test that measures pressure . This test measures the pressure created when the muscles in your esophagus contract. It focuses on two main things:
1. How the muscle waves that push food down (peristalsis) work.
2. Whether the valves (sphincters) at the top and bottom of the urethra open and close properly.
By identifying abnormalities in the tension in these muscles, you can find the cause of your symptoms and diagnose the following medical conditions.
- Achalasia: A condition in which the valve at the bottom of the esophagus does not open properly, making it difficult for food to pass into the stomach.
- Scleroderma: A disease in which the muscles of the esophagus weaken due to thickening of the body's tissues.
- Esophageal spasms: Chest pain caused by sudden, strong and irregular contractions of the muscles in the esophagus.
- Rumination syndrome: Shortly after eating, undigested food comes back into the mouth and is re-swallowed or expelled.
How should you prepare before the test?
Your doctor will explain this to you. Typically, you will need to do the following:
- You should completely abstain from eating and drinking for about 6 hours before the test .
- You may be asked to stop taking certain medications 24 hours before the test. For example:
- Calcium channel blockers
- Nitrates
- Opioids
- Sedatives
The most important thing is, do not stop any medication without your doctor's advice. He or she will tell you exactly which medication to stop and when.
Does this test hurt? How is it done?
This is the biggest problem everyone has. This test is usually not painful. However, you may feel a slight discomfort in your throat.
Here's how the test is done:
1. First, a doctor or trained technician will apply a numbing spray or gel to your nose and throat . This will greatly reduce the discomfort you feel when the tube is inserted.
2. Then, a very thin, flexible tube (catheter) is inserted through one of your nostrils and slowly passed down your throat, through your esophagus, and into your stomach. This tube has many sensors that measure the pressure.
3. After making sure the tube is in place, you will be made to lie down on a bed.
4. Then, you are asked to swallow a small amount of water . As you swallow, the muscles in your throat contract and the pressure is measured by sensors in the tube and sent as data to a computer.
5. Sometimes, you may be asked to do this while lying down as well as while sitting.
The entire procedure takes about 15 minutes. You may feel a slight scratchy sensation in your throat after the test, but this will go away after a while.
What is the difference between Esophageal Manometry and Barium Swallow Test?
You may have heard of the `Barium Swallow` test. Although both of these tests look at the esophagus, they serve different purposes.
| Test | What is being checked? |
|---|---|
| Barium Swallow (Esophagram) | This is an X-ray test. You drink a special liquid called barium, and an X-ray video is taken as it travels down your esophagus. This looks at the structure of your esophagus, that is, its shape, and whether there is any blockage or abnormality. |
| Esophageal Manometry | This measures the function of the esophagus. That is, how well and correctly the muscles are working. This measures the pressure. |
Usually, a doctor will first perform a Barium Swallow test and only refer for a Manometry test if that test fails to find a cause.
Can you find the right treatment for you from the results?
Yes, absolutely. The results of this test will help your doctor determine exactly what is wrong with the muscles in your ureter. Whether the muscles are weak, overactive, or have a valve problem, it's clear.
Based on this information, it will be easier for your doctor to recommend the most appropriate and accurate treatment for you. If you have been suggested something like anti-reflux surgery, this test will also help to confirm whether the surgery is suitable and safe for you.
Take-Home Message
- Esophageal Manometry is a painless test that measures the function of the muscles in your esophagus.
- This helps to find the cause of symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, food getting stuck in the throat, and chest pain that does not respond to medication.
- You should refrain from eating or drinking for about 6 hours before the test. Inform your doctor about any medications you are taking.
- This process takes only 15 minutes. Although there may be some discomfort, it is temporary.
- The test results will help your doctor determine the exact cause of your condition and choose the most effective treatment.
- If you have any questions about this test, don't be afraid to talk to your doctor.
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