Details
|
Esophageal tests include barium study, Bernstein test, esophageal PH test,
and manometry. Barium study, when the person swallows barium, is frequently done
on the esophagus. For barium studies (known as
barium swallow), a physician
usually uses fluoroscopy, a continuous x-ray method that allows barium to be
filmed or observed as it passes through the esophagus. Fluoroscopy allows a
physician to see esophagus contractions and any anatomic abnormalities, such as
ulcers or obstructions. Frequently, such images are recorded on videotape or
film. Besides barium, a person can be given Barium-coated food, so that a
physician may detect obstructions or view parts of the esophagus that are not
contract normally. These two barium preparations are given together and may
reveal defects such as tumors, esophageal varicose veins (esophageal varices),
esophageal webs (where the esophagus is partially blocked by fibrous tissues),
esophageal ulcer and erosion, as well as Zenker’s diverticulum (esophagus
outpouching). Bernstein test, (also called esophageal acid profusion) is a test
in which a small acid amount is placed in the patient’s esophagus through a
nasogastric tube. Such a test that is used to detect if chest pain is resulted
from esophagus acid irritation, is a good way to locate esophagus inflammations
(esophagitis). Esophageal PH test (a test that measures esophagus acidity) may
be done during manometry. Such a test is a performed to find out if a patient
has acid reflux (stomach acid reflux into the esophagus); 1 or more measurements
can be obtained. Manometry is a type of test, in which a tube has pressure gauge
along its surface is inserted into the esophagus. Using such device (manometer),
a physician may decide whether esophagus contractions may propel food
noramlities.
|
