Swallowing is something most people rarely think about. But when food feels stuck, heartburn won’t ease, or chest pain has no clear cause, everyday meals can quickly become stressful and uncertain.
For people experiencing these symptoms, finding clear answers can be difficult, especially when standard tests don’t explain what’s going on.
AdventHealth Waterman now offers esophageal manometry, a diagnostic test that evaluates how well the muscles of the esophagus move food and liquid from the mouth to the stomach.
Unlike exams that look for blockages or visible damage, this test focuses on how the esophagus moves and functions during swallowing. Problems with that movement can cause discomfort and pain, even when imaging tests appear normal.
The test is brief, does not require sedation, and is typically completed in about 20 minutes.
“Many people come to us after they’ve had other tests that don’t show a clear reason for their symptoms,” said Dr. Christopher Keeler, a surgeon at AdventHealth Waterman. “This study helps us understand how the esophagus is actually working, which gives us more direction when deciding next steps.”
Doctors may recommend esophageal manometry for people who have difficulty swallowing, ongoing heartburn or reflux that does not improve with medication, or chest pain that is not related to a heart condition. It is also commonly used before reflux surgery to help determine whether surgery is appropriate and safe.
During the procedure, a thin, flexible tube is placed through the nose and into the esophagus using a numbing spray to reduce discomfort. As the patient swallows, small sips of water, sensors measure the strength, timing and coordination of the muscles.
“Think of it like checking how smoothly traffic flows rather than just looking for a roadblock,” said Dr. Kegan Jessamy, a gastroenterologist at AdventHealth Waterman who interprets the studies. “By seeing how the muscles work together, we can better identify what’s causing symptoms and tailor care to the individual.”
For patients, the test can help pinpoint the cause of swallowing problems, rule out certain conditions, or guide the safest next steps in care.
Offering the test locally means fewer trips outside the area and less time spent waiting for answers. For many people, that can make everyday routines — including sitting down for a meal — feel manageable again.
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