What is Bravo Capsule pH Monitoring?
Bravo capsule pH monitoring is a wireless test that measures acid levels in your oesophagus over an extended period to help diagnose gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Instead of leaving a catheter through the nose during monitoring, a very small wireless capsule is temporarily attached to the lining of the oesophagus. The capsule measures acidity and wirelessly sends information to a portable recorder that you keep nearby.
This allows your gastroenterologist to see how frequently acid enters your oesophagus and whether episodes of acid reflux correspond with your symptoms.
Why a Bravo Capsule test is done
Your gastroenterologist may recommend Bravo monitoring to investigate:
- Frequent or persistent heartburn
- Suspected gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Regurgitation
- Persistent reflux symptoms despite treatment
- Chronic cough or throat symptoms that may be associated with reflux
- Unexplained symptoms when previous testing has not provided a clear answer
- The relationship between your symptoms and acid reflux
- Reflux before or after certain treatments or procedures
Extended monitoring provides your doctor with information about acid exposure during your normal daily routine.
How to prepare
Your care team will give you specific preparation instructions before your procedure. These may include:
- Fasting before placement of the capsule
- Following instructions regarding acid-reducing medications
- Informing us about all prescription and over-the-counter medications you take
- Telling us about previous oesophageal or stomach procedures
- Bringing your referral and relevant previous test results
It is particularly important to follow your doctor’s instructions about acid-reducing medication, as you may be asked either to stop or continue it depending on what your gastroenterologist needs to evaluate.
During the test & your results
The small Bravo capsule is attached to the wall of the oesophagus, commonly during an upper endoscopy. The capsule then begins measuring the acidity within your oesophagus and transmits the information wirelessly to a portable recorder.
During the monitoring period, you will be asked to record meals, periods of lying down or sleeping, and symptoms such as heartburn, chest discomfort or regurgitation. This allows your gastroenterologist to determine whether your symptoms occur at the same time as episodes of acid reflux.
After monitoring is complete, you return the recorder as instructed so the information can be analysed. The capsule naturally detaches from the oesophagus and passes through the digestive tract.
Your gastroenterologist will review the results with you and explain whether abnormal acid reflux was detected and what treatment or further evaluation may be appropriate.
