Motility Program

Common symptoms of motility disorders, such as bloating, heartburn and difficulty swallowing frequently go unexplained despite routine testing and treatment. In these cases, the problem often lies in the way the intestine's muscles and nerves work together to move food down the GI tract.

In addition to routine evaluations, gastroenterologists use advanced testing when diagnosing motility disorders, including:

• Impedance-pH monitoring for non-acidic reflux
• 24- and 48-hour Bravo® monitoring of esophageal acidity
• HALO ablation therapy for Barrett's esophagus
• High-resolution esophageal and anorectal manometry
• Hydrogen breath testing for bacterial overgrowth
• Intestinal transit testing for patients with chronic constipation and irritable bowel syndrome
• SmartPill testing for patients with gastroparesis and chronic constipation
• Making a diagnosis is essential in opening up new treatment options for patients who have grown used to suffering. Effective remedies such as dietary changes or medications to prevent motility disorders from worsening are important as well.

Heartburn is an irritation of the esophagus caused by stomach acid, and has different triggers, including certain foods, medications, pregnancy, obesity or even stress. Occasional heartburn isn't dangerous, but chronic heartburn can indicate serious problems. It can develop into GERD, or even Barrett's esophagus, the formation of precancerous tissue in the esophagus.

A barium swallow test (also known as an esophagram) is a type of X-ray that takes video images of the esophagus. This helps see the esophagus in action while swallowing. For this exam, a solution with barium is swallowed to coat your esophagus to help better see your throat and esophagus.

This test can help find the cause or condition for symptoms including nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, unexplained weight loss or swallowing problems.
Some conditions include:

• Achalasia
• Blockages
• Head, neck or esophageal cancer
• Hiatal hernias
• Inflammation
• Muscular disorders
• Swallowing disorders (such as GERD, Achalasia, dysphagia)
• Tumors
• Ulcers
• Zenker's diverticulum

Your gastroenterologist may refer you for a barium swallow test and it will be performed by a radiologist. This test may be part of a general upper gastrointestinal series of X-rays to screen for a range of causes.

Gastrointestinal Motility Program
40 Temple St. Suite 1A
New Haven, CT 06510
203-785-4138