What type of disorders can esophageal manometry help diagnose?

Esophageal manometry is a specialized diagnostic procedure used to assess the function of the esophagus, specifically the muscle contractions that move food from the throat to the stomach. This test measures the pressure and patterns of muscle contractions in the esophagus during swallowing, enabling clinicians to identify abnormalities in esophageal motility.

By providing detailed information about how well the esophagus is moving and whether there is any obstruction or dysfunction, esophageal manometry can help diagnose various esophageal motility disorders such as achalasia, esophageal spasms, and other conditions that affect the normal peristalsis of the esophagus. This makes it an invaluable tool for understanding heartburn, difficulty swallowing, and other symptoms related to esophageal function.