Understanding Your Child's Impedance Probe Test

An impedance (im-PEE-dints) probe test helps a doctor find out if stomach acid is leaving the stomach and moving up toward the throat, a condition called gastroesophageal reflux (GER) or reflux.

The health care provider slid the probe (a thin tube with special sensors) through your child's nose and into the esophagus. The tube sensors can track if anything comes out of the stomach into the esophagus and how often that happens. Another sensor on the tube tracks the pH (acid level) of the stomach liquid. Measurements happened while your child did normal activities like eat, drink, and sleep.

• Sometimes the probe can cause mild throat pain after the test.

  • To ease the discomfort, children older than 4 years can suck on throat lozenges, hard candy, or ice chips.

  • Children who can gargle and spit can gargle with saltwater. Kids usually can try gargling when they are 6–8 years old.

• If your child takes formula or breast milk, give these as you normally do.

• If your child eats solid food, start by giving cool liquids and soft foods like mashed potatoes. Then offer your child's regular diet when he or she is ready.

• If your child is uncomfortable, give acetaminophen (Tylenol or a store brand) as recommended by your doctor.

Your child:

• has a fever

• has severe throat, chest, or stomach pain

• has a nosebleed

• spits up blood

Your child:

• has continued bleeding from the nose or mouth

• is short of breath

When will we get the results of the impedance probe test? The results are available in 1–2 weeks. The doctor will carefully review the report and discuss the findings with you.