New Webpage on Non-Acid Reflux

Given the frequency of patients I have seen over the years suffering from non-acid reflux causing symptoms of:

• Chronic cough
• Chronic throat-clearing
• Phlegmy throat
• Lump in throat sensation (globus)

I have decided to write a formal webpage to this condition.

Check it out here!

New Video on Esophageal Manometry and 24 Hour Multi-Channel pH and Impedance Testing

Our office has created a new video describing what a patient goes through when they undergo esophageal manometry as well as 24 hour multi-channel pH and impedance testing.

This test is often ordered when a patient is suspected to be suffering from reflux, whether acid or non-acid, or is possibly suffering from abnormal muscle activity of the esophagus.

Symptoms that a patient may experience that may lead to such testing include:

- phlegmy throat
- lump sensation in the throat
- chronic throat clearing
- chronic cough
- difficulty swallowing

Watch the video here!

Fauquier Hospital Now Offers 24 Hour Multichannel pH and Impedance Testing for Reflux!

As far as we know, Virginia Hospital Center's Heartburn Center in Arlington, VA and now Fauquier Hospital are the only places in Northern Virginia that offers 24 hour Multichannel Intraluminal Impedance (MII) testing to look for non-acidic reflux. Oftentimes, this test is combined with pH probe testing and manometry to measure the more traditional acid reflux as well as esophageal motility.  These tests are important when working up patients with symptoms of chronic cough, globus, phlegmy throat, and/or throat clearing when all other reflux measurements/testing have come back normal.

The testing is performed by placing a catheter through the nose and into the stomach AND leaving it in place for 24 hours. Patients often ask what this looks like... so here's a few pictures!

Here are the contact information for the locations that provide 24 hour Multichannel pH and Impedance testing:

Gastroenterology Associates
(in association with Fauquier Hospital)
402 Hospital Drive
Warrenton, VA 20186
Phone: (540) 347-2470
Website

Virginia Hospital Center
Phone: (703) 717-4373
Fax: (703) 717-4374
Director: Kevin Gillian, MD, FACS
Nurse Coordinator: Susan McNeill-Smith, RN
Website

Some over-the-counter medications used to treat relux are listed below: