Bravo pH Monitoring Test

Occasional acid reflux can be common, but persistent symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation, chronic cough or throat irritation may signal an underlying digestive condition.

The Bravo™ pH Monitoring Test provides a more complete picture of acid exposure in the esophagus during normal daily activities. Unlike traditional catheter-based reflux testing, Bravo uses a small wireless capsule to collect information while patients continue their usual routines at home.

At UC Health, Bravo pH monitoring is part of a comprehensive esophageal evaluation program designed to identify the cause of reflux symptoms and guide personalized treatment recommendations. Results may help determine whether symptoms are related to GERD and support decisions about medication management, lifestyle changes or advanced treatment options.

The Bravo™ pH Monitoring Test measures acid levels inside the esophagus over an extended monitoring period, upto 96 hours depending on the evaluation plan.

During a brief outpatient procedure, a small capsule is attached to the lining of the esophagus during an upper endoscopy. The capsule wirelessly transmits information to a portable receiver worn outside the body.

As patients go about normal daily activities, the system records:

• How often reflux occurs
• How long reflux episodes last
• The amount of acid exposure in the esophagus
• Whether reflux patterns correlate with symptoms

After monitoring is complete, the capsule naturally detaches and passes through the digestive tract.

Your provider may recommend Bravo testing if symptoms suggest reflux disease or if additional information is needed before treatment decisions are made.

Common reasons for testing include:

• Persistent heartburn
• Regurgitation
• Chronic cough
• Hoarseness or throat irritation
• Chest discomfort not explained by heart conditions
• Difficulty swallowing
• Symptoms that continue despite reflux medication
• Evaluation before anti-reflux procedures or surgery
• Assessment of possible silent reflux

This test may also help distinguish reflux-related symptoms from other digestive or swallowing conditions.

The Bravo™ pH Monitoring Test is typically performed as an outpatient procedure.

Before the Test

Your care team will review medications and provide instructions before the procedure.

Preparation may include:

• Temporarily stopping certain acid-reducing medications
• Avoiding food and drink before the procedure
• Reviewing medical history and implanted devices

Preparation instructions vary based on your treatment plan and should always follow your provider’s guidance.

During the Test

A gastroenterologist performs an upper endoscopy while you are under sedation.

During the procedure:

• A thin, flexible camera is passed through the mouth into the esophagus
• The wireless Bravo capsule is attached to the esophageal lining
• The capsule is tested to confirm communication with the receiver

The procedure itself is typically completed in less than 20 minutes.

After the Test

Patients return home with the receiver and continue normal activities during the monitoring period.

Your care team may ask you to:

• Eat your typical meals
• Track symptoms and activities
• Record meal times and periods of lying down
• Follow instructions regarding medications

Maintaining your usual routine helps provide the most accurate results.

Once monitoring is complete, your provider analyzes the information collected by the capsule and compares it with your symptom history.

Results may help determine:

• Whether acid reflux is present
• How severe reflux episodes are
• Whether symptoms correlate with acid exposure
• If current reflux treatment is effective
• Whether additional testing or procedural treatment may be appropriate

This information helps create a treatment plan tailored to your symptoms and digestive health goals.

The Bravo™ pH Monitoring Test is considered safe and well tolerated.

Some patients may experience:

• Temporary sore throat
• Mild chest awareness or discomfort
• Temporary sensation of swallowing something small
• Rare complications can include difficulty swallowing, capsule detachment issues or irritation of the esophagus.
• Because the capsule contains magnetic components, MRI exams may need to be delayed until the capsule has naturally passed.

Your provider will review any risks and answer questions before testing.

UC Health provides specialized evaluation for acid reflux and esophageal disorders through a multidisciplinary digestive health team.

Patients benefit from:

• Advanced reflux and esophageal testing
• Expertise in complex GERD evaluation
• Coordinated medical and procedural care
• Access to minimally invasive treatment options
• Personalized care plans designed around symptoms and long-term digestive health

Expect more. Call 513-475-4930 to schedule an appointment.