What are swallow studies called?

A barium swallow test (cine esophagram, swallowing study, esophagography, modified barium swallow study, video fluoroscopy swallow study) is a special type of imaging test that uses barium and X-rays to create images of your upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

What is a dynamic swallow study?

Dynamic swallowing study. This test provides an image of these foods as they travel through your mouth and down your throat. The images may show problems in the coordination of your mouth and throat muscles when you swallow and determine whether food is going into your breathing tube.

What is an instrumental swallow study?

The instrumental assessment looks at functional and structural aspects of swallowing that aren’t visible upon physical examination. It can answer specific questions about the presence and extent of swallow dysfunction, safety for feeding, and the effectiveness of therapeutic strategies.

What do swallow studies show?

Test Overview A swallowing study is a test that shows what your throat and esophagus do while you swallow. The test uses X-rays in real time (fluoroscopy) and records what happens when you swallow. While you swallow, the doctor and speech pathologist watch a video screen.

Does barium swallow make you sick?

Patients may feel nauseous after a barium swallow test or become constipated. Drinking lots of fluids can help to relieve constipation. Symptoms of nausea should improve as the barium passes through the system.

Who orders a swallow study?

The test is most often performed by an SLP, who checks for signs of dysphagia and aspiration throughout the exam. First, your SLP may ask you questions about the following: The nature of your swallowing problems, such as food sticking in your throat or pain while swallowing.

What is the best treatment for dysphagia?

Treatment for dysphagia includes:

• Exercises for your swallowing muscles. If you have a problem with your brain, nerves, or muscles, you may need to do exercises to train your muscles to work together to help you swallow.
• Changing the foods you eat.
• Dilation.
• Endoscopy.
• Surgery.
• Medicines.

What is a Videofluoroscopy?

A videofluoroscopy assesses your swallowing ability. It takes place in the X-ray department and provides a moving image of your swallowing in real time. You’ll be asked to swallow different types of food and drink of different consistencies, mixed with a non-toxic liquid called barium that shows up on X-rays.

What is a speech and swallow test?

A VFSE allows the doctor to test your ability to swallow safely and effectively. A speech-language pathologist also often attends the exam. An x-ray (radiograph) is a noninvasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions.

How long does it take for barium to pass through the body?

Often, additional X-rays are made after the barium has been excreted from the bowel, which is usually one or more days after the procedure. After the procedure, a small amount of barium will be expelled from the body immediately. The remainder of the liquid is later excreted in the stool.

How fast do you have to drink barium?

From start to finish, a barium swallow takes about 30 minutes. You will get your results within several days of your procedure.