Is Your Heartburn Chronic? You Might Need a 24-hour pH Study.
Heartburn is a common complaint that many people experience after a heavy meal or lying down too soon after eating. While occasional heartburn is usually harmless and manageable with lifestyle changes or over-the-counter medications, frequent or constant heartburn could be a sign of something more serious—chronic acid reflux or GERD.
If you’ve been fighting heartburn more than twice a week, despite dietary changes or medications, it may be time to investigate a more in-depth evaluation. One of the most effective and accurate diagnostic tools for chronic acid reflux is a 24-hour pH study.
In this blog, the best Gastrophysiologist and Biofeedback Specialist in Pune, Dr. Rupali Bandgar-Jankar explain what chronic heartburn means, why it’s important not to ignore it, and how a 24-hour pH monitoring test can help diagnose the root cause of your discomfort.
What Is Chronic Heartburn?
Heartburn occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, causing a burning feeling in the chest, usually after eating or at night. Chronic heartburn is defined as:
- Symptoms occurring more than twice per week
- Persistence despite lifestyle changes and medication
- Associated with regurgitation, hoarseness, chronic cough, or sleep disorders
When these signs linger for weeks or months, it’s no longer a simple case of acid indigestion—it could be GERD, a condition that requires accurate diagnosis and long-term management.
Why Chronic Heartburn Should Not Be Ignored?
Ignoring chronic heartburn can lead to severe complications such as:
- Esophagitis: Inflammation of the esophageal lining.
- Strictures: Narrowing of the esophagus due to scar tissue.
- Barrett’s Esophagus: A precancerous condition due to prolonged acid exposure.
- Aspiration Pneumonia: Stomach acid entering the lungs.
- Reduced Quality of Life: Ongoing symptoms can affect sleep, productivity, and emotional well-being.
These complications highlight why identifying and treating the cause of chronic heartburn is so important.
When to See a Specialist?
If you’ve been depending on antacids or acid-suppressing medications for weeks or months with limited relief, you should consult a gastrophysiologist in Pune. Some key warning signs include:
- Frequent heartburn that disturbs your sleep
- Difficulty swallowing or a feeling of a lump in your throat
- Chronic cough or hoarseness
- Sour taste in the mouth or bad breath
- Chest pain that’s not related to heart issues
In such cases, diagnostic tests like 24-hour pH monitoring may be recommended to evaluate the severity of acid reflux.
Why Over-the-Counter Treatment Isn't Always Enough?
Many people with chronic heartburn rely on antacids or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for symptom relief. While these medications can be effective in lowering stomach acid, they don’t address the underlying cause of reflux. In some cases, signs may persist despite medication, or the patient may have “non-acid” reflux, which won’t respond to acid-suppressing drugs.
Long-term reliance on PPIs without a proper diagnosis can mask symptoms, delay treatment, and even lead to side effects such as nutrient deficiencies and bone loss. Therefore, if your signs are ongoing, it’s important to consult a specialist.
What Is a 24-Hour pH Study?
A 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring test is considered the gold standard for evaluating acid reflux. It helps determine how much stomach acid is entering the esophagus, how often it happens, and whether it correlates with your symptoms.
This test involves placing a small probe in the esophagus through the nose, which stays in place for 24 hours. It records pH levels continuously while you go about your normal activities — eating, sleeping, working — giving a real picture of acid exposure over an entire day and night.
At Kaizen Gastro Care, we perform both catheter-based pH monitoring and Bravo capsule-based wireless pH studies, depending on the patient’s comfort and diagnostic needs.
Who Should Consider a 24-Hour pH Study?
If you’re dealing with any of the following situations, your gastroenterologist in Pune may recommend a 24-hour pH study:
- Chronic heartburn or acid reflux symptoms that don’t respond to standard treatment
- Atypical symptoms like chronic cough, throat clearing, asthma, or hoarseness
- Recurring chest pain with normal heart evaluation
- Pre-operative assessment before anti-reflux surgery
- Normal endoscopy findings despite ongoing symptoms
- Discontinuing long-term PPIs, to see if acid reflux is still present
This test provides critical data that helps us understand whether your symptoms are truly due to acid reflux, non-acid reflux, or not related to reflux at all.
What to Expect During the Procedure?
The 24-hour pH test is simple and safe, with minimal pain. The method usually involves the following steps:
- Nasal insertion of a thin tube (catheter-based study) or swallowing a small capsule.
- The device continually records esophageal pH levels and transmits data to a portable recorder you wear on a belt.
- You are instructed to keep a symptom diary, noting when you eat, lie down, or experience symptoms.
- After 24 hours, the probe or capsule is removed, and the recorded data is analyzed.
While wearing the monitor, you are encouraged to follow your regular diet and routine, ensuring real-life data collection for proper diagnosis.
Benefits of a 24-Hour pH Study:
- Accurate diagnosis of GERD
- Identification of non-acid reflux
- Helps correlate symptoms with acid events
- Help in surgical planning for anti-reflux procedures
- Avoids unnecessary or ineffective medications
- Offers peace of mind with a clear, data-driven understanding of your condition
At Kaizen Gastro Care, we use advanced pH monitoring tools combined with expert analysis to ensure you get the most accurate results, leading to a personalized treatment plan.
Conclusion:
Living with chronic heartburn is not just uncomfortable — it can have long-term effects. Untreated GERD may lead to complications like esophagitis, esophageal strictures, or even Barrett’s esophagus, a precancerous condition.
If you’ve been suffering from persistent heartburn or related symptoms, don’t ignore it. Schedule a consultation with a gastrophysiologist in Pune, and explore diagnostic options like the 24-hour pH study to get clarity on your condition.
At Kaizen Gastro Care, Pune, we are dedicated to diagnosing and treating gastrointestinal issues using the latest technologies and a patient-centered approach.