The Voice Problem Website
Home
Introduction
Anatomy & Physiology of Voice Production
Voice Disorders
Overview of Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention
Voice Care Team
Personal Experiences
Symptom Tree
Glossary
Glossary of Terms
Glossary of Images
Resources
Contact Us

Glossary of Images
corner scale

The Voice Problem Website

Diagram of pH Probe


Diagram Showing Placement of Tip of pH Probe

Diagram showing placement of pH probe

A small tube is placed through the nose into the food pipe with two sensors (located at the tip) that measure acid levels (pH levels).

  • Lower Sensor: A sensor is placed in the esophagus above the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) (#3 in diagram) to check for backflow of stomach acid into the food pipe. (Note: This position is also where a probe would be placed to determine whether "classic" gastroesophageal reflux is present.)
  • Upper Sensor: Another sensor is placed near the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) (#2 in diagram). Since stomach acid backflow must reach this level to cause reflux laryngitis, measurement of acid level at this site is important. (Note: some physicians may place a sensor in the lower back of the pharynx or hypopharynx (#1).)

This diagram can be found in Reflux Laryngitis: Diagnosis.


AlertAdvisory Note

Patient education material presented here does not substitute for medical consultation or examination, nor is this material intended to provide advice on the medical treatment appropriate to any specific circumstances.

All use of this site indicates acceptance of our Terms of Service.

corner FFFFFF