Heartburn Studies
Chronic heartburn is caused by a malfunction of the sphincter muscle at the bottom of the esophagus (food pipe) that allows stomach acid to travel up the throat. Symptoms of chronic heartburn or GERD (gastro-esophageal reflux disease) include the classic heartburn sensation, unexplained chest pain, a nagging cough, hoarseness, and regurgitation of stomach contents that occur over an extended period of time.
Individuals with GERD do not necessarily suffer all of these symptoms, and certain conditions can mimic each other.
Improving Quality of Life
We want you to get the answers you need to receive proper treatment and
live your best life. That’s why we provide several diagnostic tests
to accurately diagnose GERD or evaluate if a particular treatment is right for you.
Meet Dr. Xin Zhong, general surgeon at Atlantic General Surgical Associates
Dr. Xin Zhong, a general and bariatric surgeon with Atlantic General Health System, reads the data collected during manometry and BRAVO pH studies and furnishes results to providers who order the testing. She spearheaded efforts to bring these diagnostic tools to residents of Worcester County and the surrounding area after her own patients experienced difficulty accessing appropriate testing. Often, they were waiting six months or more or driving several hours to undergo testing sooner. Dr. Zhong’s office can be reached at 410-641-9568.
Bravo pH Study
This test measures the acid level in the lower part of the esophagus near the stomach. While a patient is under sedation, a small capsule that measures pH levels is attached to the wall of the esophagus. The data collected is transmitted to a portable receiver the patient takes home with them for 48 hours.
During this time, patients are asked to keep a log of when they start and stop meals, when they lie down and get up, and any symptoms they experience. There’s also a button to push on the receiver when they have symptoms such as heart burn, chest pain or coughs.
After the 48 hour recording period, the receiver and activity log should be returned to Dr. Zhong’s office at Atlantic General Surgical Associates. The results will then be interpreted by the physician.
Watch this video for more information
Esophageal Manometry
Esophageal manometry tests the pressure and motor function of the esophagus to evaluate how well the muscles work to move liquids and food from the mouth to the stomach – and keep them there. The test is done to look for causes of heartburn and reflux, but it is also ordered prior to weight loss surgery or anti-reflux surgery, or to see what is causing difficulty with swallowing properly.
During the procedure, a small tube is passed through the nostril down to the stomach. Once in place, the patient will be asked to swallow liquid while tiny sensors in the tube capture readings for the doctor to interpret.
The tube is then removed. The procedure requires only numbing spray and gel before insertion of the tube, so there is no need to make arrangements for someone to drive the patient home afterward.
Watch this video for more information
These procedures require a physician order, so speak with your primary care provider or gastroenterologist about whether either test is right for you.