Do you often have chest pain? Let's talk about the Bravo pH Test!

Do you also get heartburn all the time? It feels like it's on fire. Although we often call it "gastritis", sometimes the cause is the acid in the stomach, that is, acid, flowing into the throat, or as we say, the esophagus. If this continues, it can be a little annoying. So, did your doctor tell you to do a new test to find out exactly what's causing this? It's the Bravo pH Test. The name may sound a little strange, but don't be afraid. This is a very simple, and very important test. Let's talk about everything clearly and simply today.

Simply put, what is this Bravo pH Test?

The Bravo test is a test that measures the pH of your esophagus. Okay, okay, don't be alarmed when you hear "pH." Simply put, pH is a measure of how acidic something is. Our stomach contains a strong acid called hydrochloric acid. It helps digest food. But when this acid comes up from the stomach, into the esophagus, that's where the problems begin. The esophagus is not built to withstand such a strong acid.

So the Bravo test measures when and how much acid is coming up your esophagus over a period of 48 hours, or two days. This allows your doctor to confirm whether you have gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD for short.

This test is usually performed by a gastroenterologist. He or she will attach a small capsule to the wall of your esophagus. It is like a small recording device. The capsule measures your acid levels and sends the data to a small recorder that you wear around your waist. When you return the recorder to your doctor after two days, he or she will review the information and make a diagnosis about your condition. The capsule that was inserted? It will come out on its own after a few days, travel down your digestive tract, and be passed out with your stool.

Why would I want to do a test like this?

If you have symptoms of GERD, your doctor may suggest this test. For example, if you take your medicine every day but your heartburn doesn't go away, or if you want to know for sure if your symptoms are actually caused by acid reflux, this test is very important.

These are the most commonly seen symptoms:

• Heartburn: A feeling like your chest is on fire.
• Cough: A cough that comes on especially at night and has no known cause.
• Sore throat: A constant feeling of soreness and pain in the throat.
• Hoarseness: A change in the voice, a feeling of heaviness.
• Burping up food: The feeling of food coming back up your throat after eating.

How does this Bravo test process work?

This may seem like a complicated thing, but it's actually very simple. This system has three main parts.

1. pH-sensitive capsule: This is the hero. A small capsule about the size of your little fingernail. This is what measures the acid level in the esophagus and sends information.

2. Recorder: This is a small device about the size of a computer mouse. You have to wear this on your waist. It records all the data sent from the capsule.

3. Software system: A computer system that helps all of this work together.

This capsule is inserted through a procedure called an upper endoscopy . You may remember, some people say, "putting a tube in your mouth," and that's what it's like. But don't worry, you're sedated during this procedure, so you won't feel any pain. The doctor will insert a thin tube with a camera attached through your mouth and attach the little capsule to the wall of your esophagus.

After you put it on, you go home. That's where the 48-hour test begins. You have to keep a diary. You have to write down things like when you start eating, when you start drinking, when you finish, when you put it on, when you get up. And there are a few buttons on that recorder. As soon as you have symptoms like chest pain or cough, you have to press the corresponding button.

After two days, you return the recorder and diary to the doctor. He then analyzes the information.

How should I prepare before the test?

This is a very important part. To get accurate results from the test, you need to follow the doctor's instructions exactly.

• Tell your doctor your complete medical history , especially if you have an allergy to nickel, as this capsule contains a very small amount of nickel.
• Also tell your doctor if you have a pacemaker or other heart device , if you have bleeding problems, or if you have any other diseases related to the esophagus.

Usually, your doctor will give you these kinds of instructions. These are about stopping medications. But remember, never stop taking medication without asking your doctor.

Sometimes your doctor may tell you to continue taking a medication you are currently taking. This will help him see how well the medication is working for you. So, follow your doctor's instructions exactly.

What happens on the day of the test? Will I feel any pain?

This is usually done in an outpatient department at a hospital or clinic. You will be given a sedative to help you feel comfortable and relaxed, so you will need to bring a responsible person with you to drive you home. The entire procedure should take no more than 30 minutes.

After the procedure, you may have a slight sore throat for two or three days. This is normal. However, if you experience unbearable pain or other discomfort, inform your doctor immediately.

What should I do in the two days after the test?

Your behavior during these two days will directly affect the results of the test. So be careful about these things.

• Activities: Continue with your normal daily activities. Don't stay home while the test is being done. We want to see how your acid reflux goes in your normal life.
• Food and drink: Eat your meals regularly, at your usual times. If you skip meals, your stomach will produce less acid, which can make the results inaccurate. Eat at least two meals a day. If possible, eat foods that make your symptoms worse (but not too difficult to tolerate). Avoid chewing gum, toffee, or lozenges during these two days.
• Lying down: Stay as upright as possible throughout the day. Don't slouch until it's time to go to bed (unless you're a daytime napper).
• Recording symptoms: As soon as you experience a symptom, press the corresponding button on the recorder. Also, record the exact times you eat, drink, lie down, and get up in the diary.

What are the benefits and risks of this test?

As with any medical test, there are some risks, but they are very low.

The main advantage is that it can accurately determine whether or not your symptoms are caused by GERD. If left untreated, GERD can damage your esophagus and lead to more serious conditions, such as Barrett's esophagus or esophageal cancer. It's also important to know that you don't have GERD. This will help your doctor find the real cause of your symptoms.

Possible risks (very rare):

• Capsule or recorder malfunction.
• The capsule does not stick properly and comes off before the test is complete.
• The capsule does not come out at the scheduled time after the test.
• Difficulty or pain in swallowing.

What can I learn from the results?

After analyzing the results, the doctor can find out things like:

• How many times have you had acid reflux in the past two days?
• How long did that acidity last at one time?
• How often have you had acid reflux while you were sleeping?
• How many times was the pH of the esophagus less than 4, meaning it was highly acidic?

Based on this information, your doctor can determine whether you have GERD, and if so, how severe it is, and develop a treatment plan that best suits you. It usually takes about two weeks to get the results.

Bravo test, GERD, gastritis, heartburn, acid reflux, endoscopy, pH test, esophagus