Overview
An esophageal manometry test is done to see if the esophagus is contracting and relaxing properly. A tube is inserted through the nose and into the esophagus. The pressure of the sphincter muscle is recorded. The muscle contractions when swallowing are also recorded. The manometry test helps diagnose swallowing problems.
Review Date 8/7/2023
Updated by: Michael M. Phillips, MD, Emeritus Professor of Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.