Dysphagia is the medical term for difficulty in swallowing. This symptom is caused by a wide range of factors that include infections, inflammatory conditions and cancers. Performing a swallow study for dysphagia (or a barium swallow), is one of the most important investigations that are used to shed more light on this complaint. There are a number of things that you need to understand about this test if the same has been prescribed for you.
The need for the barium swallow is determined, in a large part, by the history of your illness. If the condition has lasted for just a few hours or days and there is no known predisposing factor, chances are that you will be observed for a while first before you can be sent for the test. On the other hand, if there is a longstanding history or if the condition has been progressive in severity you are likely to benefit.
Esophageal cancer is one of the commonest diagnoses that are made using the swallow study. This cancer is associated with a progressive difficulty in swallowing occurring within a few months. In the initial stages, the patients find it difficult to swallow solids. Over time, they begin to have the same problems swallowing semi-solid foods and eventually liquids. Due to reduced food intake and effects of the cancer, they lose a lot of weight.
The second most common indication of swallow studies is strictures. A stricture is a narrowing of a tubular organ caused by scar tissue. This tends to follow infections, chemical or physical injuries. Ingested corrosive acids and bases are some of the causes of chemical injuries. Other indications include polyps, ulcers and varicose vessels.
The test itself is fairly straight forward. As part of preparation one will be asked to reduce the amount of fiber in their diet for a period of about two or three preceding the performance of the test. The last meal should have been taken about 8 hours before. You will be given a cupful of suspension containing barium sulfate and exposed to X-rays. You may be asked to give a written consent for the test to be conducted.
Barium sulfate is a compound that is described as being radio-opaque. What this means is that X-rays cannot pass through it. It is instead cast onto the X-ray film as a silhouette. The pattern that is created as it fills the esophagus is studied and interpreted by a radiologist. If an ulcer exists, for example, it will be viewed as a projection of the compound into the mucosal layer. If there is a polyp, it will be seen as a filling defect.
The investigation is generally safe. This notwithstanding, there are a number of risks that you should be aware of. Allergic reactions caused by the barium have been reported in some cases. It is important that you mention to the radiographer if you have had any such problems in the past. Persons that have this problem should have alternative tests such as endoscopy. Constipation is another common side effect.
The treatment of your condition will be dependent on the findings. In some cases, there may be a need to repeat the test in a few weeks to observe changes. The doctor may also recommend other tests to evaluate the condition further. Such may include endoscopy (to examine lesions and take specimens), CT scans and so on. Other specialists such as gastroenterologists, ear, nose and throat surgeons and neurologists may have to be consulted as well.
The need for the barium swallow is determined, in a large part, by the history of your illness. If the condition has lasted for just a few hours or days and there is no known predisposing factor, chances are that you will be observed for a while first before you can be sent for the test. On the other hand, if there is a longstanding history or if the condition has been progressive in severity you are likely to benefit.
Esophageal cancer is one of the commonest diagnoses that are made using the swallow study. This cancer is associated with a progressive difficulty in swallowing occurring within a few months. In the initial stages, the patients find it difficult to swallow solids. Over time, they begin to have the same problems swallowing semi-solid foods and eventually liquids. Due to reduced food intake and effects of the cancer, they lose a lot of weight.
The second most common indication of swallow studies is strictures. A stricture is a narrowing of a tubular organ caused by scar tissue. This tends to follow infections, chemical or physical injuries. Ingested corrosive acids and bases are some of the causes of chemical injuries. Other indications include polyps, ulcers and varicose vessels.
The test itself is fairly straight forward. As part of preparation one will be asked to reduce the amount of fiber in their diet for a period of about two or three preceding the performance of the test. The last meal should have been taken about 8 hours before. You will be given a cupful of suspension containing barium sulfate and exposed to X-rays. You may be asked to give a written consent for the test to be conducted.
Barium sulfate is a compound that is described as being radio-opaque. What this means is that X-rays cannot pass through it. It is instead cast onto the X-ray film as a silhouette. The pattern that is created as it fills the esophagus is studied and interpreted by a radiologist. If an ulcer exists, for example, it will be viewed as a projection of the compound into the mucosal layer. If there is a polyp, it will be seen as a filling defect.
The investigation is generally safe. This notwithstanding, there are a number of risks that you should be aware of. Allergic reactions caused by the barium have been reported in some cases. It is important that you mention to the radiographer if you have had any such problems in the past. Persons that have this problem should have alternative tests such as endoscopy. Constipation is another common side effect.
The treatment of your condition will be dependent on the findings. In some cases, there may be a need to repeat the test in a few weeks to observe changes. The doctor may also recommend other tests to evaluate the condition further. Such may include endoscopy (to examine lesions and take specimens), CT scans and so on. Other specialists such as gastroenterologists, ear, nose and throat surgeons and neurologists may have to be consulted as well.
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