Gastroenterology Diagnosis and Evaluation

Sometimes the anatomy looks normal (no tumor), but the organ doesn’t move correctly.

High-Resolution Esophageal Manometry

• For: Difficulty swallowing (Dysphagia) or chest pain not caused by the heart.
• The Test: A thin catheter with 36 pressure sensors is passed through the nose into the esophagus. You swallow sips of water.
• The Map: The computer creates a colorful “pressure map” (Clouse Plot) showing how your muscles squeeze. It is the only way to diagnose Achalasia (where the lower valve fails to open).

Wireless pH Monitoring (Bravo Capsule)

• For: Severe heartburn (GERD) where surgery is being considered, or “silent reflux” (chronic cough).
• The Test: During a gastroscopy, we clip a tiny chip (size of a gel cap) to the bottom of the esophagus.
• The Recording: It measures acid levels for 48–96 hours while you eat, sleep, and live normally.
• The Result: It proves definitively if acid is the cause of your symptoms. The capsule falls off naturally after a few days.

Hydrogen Breath Tests

• For: Bloating, gas, and diarrhea.
• The Concept: Bacteria in the gut ferment sugars, producing hydrogen or methane gas, which is exhaled in your breath.
• Types:
  • Lactose Intolerance: Can you digest dairy?
  • Fructose Intolerance: Can you digest fruit sugar?
  • SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth): Do you have too many bacteria in your small bowel?