1. Esophageal Manometry – Testing How Your Food Pipe Works
What is it?
Esophageal manometry is a test that checks how well your esophagus (food pipe) is working. The esophagus is the tube that moves food from your mouth to your stomach. This test measures the muscle movements and pressure inside that tube when you swallow.
Why is it done?
Doctors do this test if you:
- Have difficulty swallowing
- Have chest pain not related to the heart
- Have frequent acid reflux or heartburn
How is it done?
- A thin, soft tube is gently passed through your nose and into your food pipe.
- You’ll be asked to swallow a few times while the machine records how the muscles move.
- The test takes about 20–30 minutes and is not painful, just a bit uncomfortable.
2. Anorectal Manometry – Testing How Your Rectum and Anus Work
What is it?
Anorectal manometry checks how well the muscles in your rectum and anus are working. These muscles help control bowel movements — holding stool in and letting it out when it’s time to go.
Why is it done?
Doctors may recommend this if you:
- Have chronic constipation or feeling of anal obstruction
- Struggle with leaking stool (fecal incontinence)
- Are preparing for certain rectal surgeries
How is it done?
- A thin tube with a small balloon is gently inserted into your rectum.
- The doctor may ask you to squeeze, relax, or push like you’re having a bowel movement.
- The test measures the strength and coordination of your muscles.
- It usually takes 15–30 minutes and may feel a bit awkward, but it’s not painful.
3. 24-hour pH Monitoring – Checking for Acid Reflux
What is it?
This test checks how much acid from your stomach is coming up into your esophagus over a full day. It helps diagnose GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).
Why is it done?
Your doctor may recommend this if you have:
- Frequent heartburn or acid reflux
- Chronic cough, sore throat, or hoarseness
- No response to acid-reducing medications
How is it done?
- A thin tube is placed through your nose into your food pipe and stays there for 24 hours.
- Hospital admission is required for 24 hours while recording is taking place
- You can continue your usual daily activities.
- The device records acid levels while you eat, lie down, and sleep.
- After 24 hours, the data is reviewed to see how often and how long acid reflux occurs.
Summary
All three tests are safe, low-risk, and give valuable information to help your doctor diagnose and treat digestive issues better. While they might feel a bit uncomfortable, they’re usually quick and don’t require anesthesia.
