ILWACO – A new diagnostic test is available to help patients suffering from symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation, chronic cough, and swallowing problems.

These symptoms may be caused by gastroesophogeal reflux disease (GERD) or spasms of the esophagus. While many patients are taking anti-reflux medications, which stop the production of acid in the stomach, symptoms persist in about 30 percent of cases. In patients with ongoing symptoms while taking anti-reflux medications, the symptoms may be caused by nonacid (non acidic) reflux and/or esophageal spasm.

A revolutionary new diagnostic test called Impedance-pH Manometry is now available. This simple 24-hour test can determine if there is a link between any type of reflux and the patient’s symptoms. Once the cause of the symptoms is known, an effective treatment plan can be selected and implemented. The Ocean Beach Hospital in Ilwaco has recently acquired this new diagnostic capability.

“With Dr. Kay’s expertise we are thrilled to be able to offer this service right here on the Peninsula,” said Jim Robertson, CEO.

William Kay, general surgeon at the Ocean Beach Medical Clinic states, “This new equipment is second to none and with it a more complete diagnosis can be made and literally thousands of individuals suffering with regurgitation, chronic cough, swallowing problems and heartburn could benefit. pH Manometry alone cannot evaluate nonacid symptom association. The primary incremental benefit of Impedance-pH Manometry is the ability to assess symptom association to both acid and nonacid reflux. Adequacy of acid suppression, association of symptoms – both acid and nonacid reflux, and reflux frequency can all be assessed in one test using this new diagnostic procedure. Many patients that are suffering with these symptoms do not know that in many cases reflux can be corrected, not just treated. If they are having little to no relief with their medication, they need to be tested. There are other treatment options that could be considered for a better outcome and may result in getting off their medication all together.”

Patients suffering from suspected GERD symptoms should contact their primary care physician for an appointment. For additional information on the pH Manometry testing, contact Ocean Beach Medical Clinic at 642-3747.