The term dysphagia is used to describe the act of having difficulty in swallowing. Once you visit your doctor with this symptom, he will begin to investigate to determine the possible diagnoses. One of the most informative tests is a swallow study for dysphagia (also termed barium swallow). There are a number of things that you need to know about the test if it has been requested for you.
A detailed clinical history of your condition is usually needed before one can undergo the test. Some of the vital information includes the duration of time for which the condition has existed, whether problems are encountered with liquids, solids or both and whether or not the problem has worsened over time. General questions which may be of value in this case include the history of smoking or alcohol use and a positive history of weight loss.
The test is used for conditions that affect the oropharynx (throat) or the esophagus (food pipe). Any condition that will cause a constriction within the tube (such as a tumor) can easily be demonstrated on the images. Masses such as polyps (non-cancerous) are also easy to identify due to their unique appearance. Other conditions include ulcers, varices (enlarged, bleeding veins), and defects within the diaphragm such as hiatus hernias.
A number of things have to be done as part of preparation. Reduce the content of fiber in the diet for about two to three days before you are tested. The last meal should be taken before midnight. As is custom for X-ray studies, you have to remove any jewelry that may be cast on the film and interfere with the results. The next step is to sign a written consent allowing the procedure to take place.
A compound known as barium sulfate is used for this test (hence the name). You will be asked to take a cup of the compound dissolved in water. After about half an hour, you will be exposed to X-rays to image the movement of the gas within the upper gastrointestinal tract. X-rays cannot penetrate this compound which means it creates a silhouette on the X-ray film. Lesions will appear either as projections into the esophageal cavity or wall.
The risks associated with this test are few and rare. Anaphylaxis is a rare occurrence but has been reported in a few cases. They tend to occur in persons that are allergic to the barium compound. If such a reaction is anticipated the patient should be subjected to an alternative test such as endoscopy. The other possible complications are constipation and aspiration.
After the procedure you can resume your normal diet unless advised otherwise by the doctor. Since the barium sulfate is chalky white in color, the stool tends to be white for one to three days as the compound is removed from the system. Ensure that you drink as much water as possible and that you increase the amount of fiber in your diet so as to prevent constipation.
The treatment will depend on the findings of this test. At times, the results may actually be normal in spite of the persistence of symptoms. If such is the case, additional tests such as endoscopy are required. If a lesion is identified, the doctor will initiate treatment or may see it necessary to refer you to specialists such as neurologists, gastroenterologists, speech and language therapists or ear, nose and throat specialists.
A detailed clinical history of your condition is usually needed before one can undergo the test. Some of the vital information includes the duration of time for which the condition has existed, whether problems are encountered with liquids, solids or both and whether or not the problem has worsened over time. General questions which may be of value in this case include the history of smoking or alcohol use and a positive history of weight loss.
The test is used for conditions that affect the oropharynx (throat) or the esophagus (food pipe). Any condition that will cause a constriction within the tube (such as a tumor) can easily be demonstrated on the images. Masses such as polyps (non-cancerous) are also easy to identify due to their unique appearance. Other conditions include ulcers, varices (enlarged, bleeding veins), and defects within the diaphragm such as hiatus hernias.
A number of things have to be done as part of preparation. Reduce the content of fiber in the diet for about two to three days before you are tested. The last meal should be taken before midnight. As is custom for X-ray studies, you have to remove any jewelry that may be cast on the film and interfere with the results. The next step is to sign a written consent allowing the procedure to take place.
A compound known as barium sulfate is used for this test (hence the name). You will be asked to take a cup of the compound dissolved in water. After about half an hour, you will be exposed to X-rays to image the movement of the gas within the upper gastrointestinal tract. X-rays cannot penetrate this compound which means it creates a silhouette on the X-ray film. Lesions will appear either as projections into the esophageal cavity or wall.
The risks associated with this test are few and rare. Anaphylaxis is a rare occurrence but has been reported in a few cases. They tend to occur in persons that are allergic to the barium compound. If such a reaction is anticipated the patient should be subjected to an alternative test such as endoscopy. The other possible complications are constipation and aspiration.
After the procedure you can resume your normal diet unless advised otherwise by the doctor. Since the barium sulfate is chalky white in color, the stool tends to be white for one to three days as the compound is removed from the system. Ensure that you drink as much water as possible and that you increase the amount of fiber in your diet so as to prevent constipation.
The treatment will depend on the findings of this test. At times, the results may actually be normal in spite of the persistence of symptoms. If such is the case, additional tests such as endoscopy are required. If a lesion is identified, the doctor will initiate treatment or may see it necessary to refer you to specialists such as neurologists, gastroenterologists, speech and language therapists or ear, nose and throat specialists.
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