An esophageal pH test measures how often stomach acid moves into the esophagus, the food pipe, and how long it stays there.
A catheter, which is a thin flexible tube, or a small wireless sensor called a probe records acidity in the esophagus over many hours. You usually note meals and symptoms during the monitoring period. This lets the care team compare acid readings with what you felt and when it happened.
The test can help investigate acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease, often called GERD. It may also be used to check whether reflux treatment is controlling acid exposure.
Frequent or prolonged acid exposure can support a reflux-related diagnosis. The result does not explain every episode of chest discomfort, cough, or swallowing trouble by itself. The care team interprets the measurements with your symptoms, medical history, and the type of monitoring used.

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