Acid reflux is a condition in which the acid that is produced by the stomach is able to escape into the esophagus. Acid reflux can cause a painful and burning sensation in your chest or throat, especially after eating acidic, spicy or fatty meals. Acid reflux can only be definitively diagnosed using a 24-hour esophageal pH test, which measures the acidity in your esophagus over a typical day.
Step 1
Prepare for a 24-hour esophageal pH test. This involves not taking any proton pump inhibitors (such as Prilosec or Prevacid) for seven days before the test, H2 blockers (such as Pepcid or Zantac) for two days before the test, or any antacids for six hours before the test.
Step 2
Go to the doctor to have the pH meter passed through your nose and into your esophagus. Make sure that you go over and thoroughly understand the instructions for monitoring.
Step 3
During the 24 hours after the pH meter has been implanted, continue to eat as you usually would. Avoid lying down or reclining except for when you sleep. Eat at least two meals that day and note whenever you experience acid reflux symptoms as well as when you lie down.
Step 4
Return the next day to have the meter removed and the results analyzed.
