Specialists at The GastroEnterology Center perform a procedure called esophageal manometry to determine if the esophagus is contracting and relaxing properly. Our team measures the pressure your esophagus generates while at rest or swallowing and determines if it is too high or too low. This test can be used to diagnose:
During manometry, doctors use a thin tube, inserted through the nose, to assess the strength of the contractions in your esophagus and specifically determine the resting tone of the muscular sphincter, which acts almost like a door when you swallow. At The GastroEnterology Center, we provide manometry preparation instructions, and for your comfort, we will use a numbing medicine inside your nose.
A more targeted test for acid issues, the Bravo 48 hour pH probe is used by our specialists to measure if and when acid is splashing up into the esophagus. This testing can determine whether you have an acid problem, and even tell us if your medication is effective in suppressing the acid.
48 Hour pH Preparation Instructions (780 KB)
Manometry Preparation Instructions (573 KB)
"Sleep apnea impacts the GI tract greatly. If you snore, consider talking to your physician about this."
Dr. Powell states he chose to practice Gastroenterology, “to treat a wide scope of different problems and afflictions and using modern treatment to help these patients feel better.”
