Esophagus Tests

Bernstein Test

Test Overview

Esophagus tests measure muscle pressure and movement, coordination, and strength of the tube that connects the throat to the stomach (esophagus). It tests how well the ring of muscles (sphincters) at the top and bottom of the esophagus work. See a picture of the esophagus.

The most common esophagus tests include:

• pH monitoring (esophageal acidity test), which measures the acid content (pH) in the esophagus. A low pH for long periods indicates frequent abnormal backflow (reflux) of stomach acid into the esophagus (gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD).
• Esophageal manometry, which measures the strength and pattern of muscle contractions in the esophagus. This test can detect:
  • Weakness in the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which allows acid to reflux into the esophagus.
  • Weak muscle contractions during swallowing that slow the rate at which food or stomach acid is cleared from the esophagus.
  • Abnormally strong contractions (spasms) that can cause chest pain or the sensation that food is stuck after swallowing (dysphagia).

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Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS	Last Updated: July 23, 2007
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Jerome B. Simon, MD, FRCPC, FACP - Gastroenterology
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