Services and Programs
Pediatric Gastroenterology
Tests and Procedures
Preparation Instructions for 24 Hour pH Probe Test
This test is important in determining the amount of acid refluxed
into your child's esophagus over a 24 hour period. The results
provide valuable information in planning your child's treatment.
We ask that
you follow these instructions to ensure an accurate test.
Care of pH Probe Unit
-
Handle it with care, as the unit is a sophisticated
computer. Your child should not shower, bathe, or swim until
the tube has been removed.
-
Keep the unit in the leather case at all times.
-
Don’t disconnect or turn it off for any reason. Don’t
press any buttons unless instructed to do so.
Meals
-
Try to structure your child’s eating into
three meals and no more than two snacks for the day. (Don’t
allow your child to “graze” or “snack” all
day long.)
-
Try to have your child finish all meals and snacks within a
20-minute period. An infant or toddler should continue his
or her usual pattern of meals and snacks.
-
The only drinks allowed are milk or milk substitute, Kool-Aid,
formula, or water. No juices, no soft drinks/carbonated
beverages, and chocolate-flavored or beverages with
caffeine.
-
Your child should not chew gum or eat candy while the pH probe
is in. Do not allow your child to have any foods with any tomato
sauces in or on them. Avoid sticky foods, such as peanut butter,
marshmallows, etc.
Position
-
Your child should remain in an upright position
throughout the day. This means sitting, standing, or walking.
-
Babies and young children may continue their daily routines/activities.
They may sleep in any position.
Medications
-
During the test period, do not take any gastric
acid reduction medications such as Tagamet, Zantac, Pepcid,
Axid, Prilosec, Prevacid, Aciphex, Protonix, Reglan, Nexium,
Maalox, Tums, etc., unless instructed otherwise.
-
Do not take calcium supplements, laxatives, antacids, aspirins
or non-steroidals such as Advil.
-
Take Tylenol if needed during the testing period.
Diary Sheets
Maintain a diary of events. Use the clock on the computer to
record the time you write information in the diary. Document
the following:
-
The beginning and end of each meal.
-
The time your child lies down and the
time your child gets up.
-
The onset and/or duration of any symptoms
(heartburn, chest or abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, coughing,
regurgitation,
or difficulty swallowing).
If the tube is removed for any reason, please notify the Pediatric
GI office at 585-275-2647 to receive instructions for proper
care of the probe. Write the exact time the tube was removed
on the diary sheet.
You may call the office between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. with
questions, concerns, or problems. If emergency medical attention
is necessary, call the office.
The information provided is general information only and
not to be used as medical advice. Please consult with your
child's doctor for specific instructions related to your child's
illness.
|
|
