What test could be performed to evaluate esophagus function?

The evaluation of esophageal function involves assessing how well the esophagus works in moving food from the throat to the stomach and how it responds to acid. pH monitoring specifically assesses the acidity in the esophagus over a period of time, allowing for the determination of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and its impact on esophageal function. This test involves placing a small device in the esophagus to measure pH levels, helping identify episodes of acid reflux, which can indicate dysfunction in esophageal motility and acid clearance.

In contrast, other methods like CT scans and ultrasounds primarily visualize the structures rather than the functionality of the esophagus. Endoscopy allows direct visualization of the esophagus but does not specifically measure its functional capabilities. Thus, pH monitoring is the most accurate reflection of esophageal function, making it the ideal choice for evaluating this aspect of gastrointestinal health.