Dysphagia is a condition in which an individual experiences difficulties in swallowing. Such difficulties may either be temporary or long term depending on the underlying cause. The severity also tends to vary. As part of the medical investigations, a swallow study is usually needed. Such a study (also termed barium swallow) not only helps in assessing the location of the problem but also provides vital information on the possible causes.
The causes of dysphagia are many. They include, for instance, infections that may be bacterial, fungal or viral. Infections often result in swelling of the pharynx which subsequently causes difficulties in swallowing. The difficulty in this case is mostly temporary. Another major group of conditions is cancer. Cancers cause obstruction as the growths project into the esophagus. Dysphagia that is due to cancer is usually progressive.
Barium swallow is useful for select conditions and not necessarily for all cases of difficulty in swallowing. For example, the study has very limited benefit when used in patients whose main problem is an infection. This is in contrast to patients that have obstructive conditions such as tumors or those that have inflammatory conditions brought about by corrosive effects of acids and alkalis.
One needs to be adequately prepared before they undergo the test. Part of this will include modifying the diet so that it has less fiber content. The aim of all this is to ensure that gut motility is enhanced and that the stomach remains as empty as possible. The doctor will explain to you what is involved during the test and the expected results and complications.
A fast of at least eight hours is recommended before the test is conducted. Such a fast ensures that the stomach remains as empty as possible. The test itself depends on images that are generated by X-rays. The rays are directed to the chest and neck (regions that are traversed by the esophagus). Rules that apply to all other X-ray imaging studies apply here as well.
A special type of chemical compound, barium sulfate is needed for the test. The compound is mixed with water to form a suspension that is drank by the person undergoing this investigation. This compound is unique in that it does not allow the penetration of X-rays and instead projects a shadow onto the X-ray film. The shadow that is cast corresponds to the outline of the esophagus.
After the image of the esophagus has been generated, it is studied by the radiologist and a report is prepared. You will then take back this report to the doctor who requested for it. Treatment is determined by the underlying cause. Some cases resolve spontaneously, others can easily be treated easily using drugs while others require surgical intervention. Other specialists such as neurologists, oncologists and ear, nose and throat surgeons may have to be involved.
The procedure is regarded as being safe generally. Only a few side effects are encountered from time to time. Examples of those that are encountered commonly include changes in stool color and constipation. The good news is that these effects resolve spontaneously within a few days. Resumption of normal diet can take place as soon as the test has been conducted. In rare circumstances, allergic reactions may occur.
The causes of dysphagia are many. They include, for instance, infections that may be bacterial, fungal or viral. Infections often result in swelling of the pharynx which subsequently causes difficulties in swallowing. The difficulty in this case is mostly temporary. Another major group of conditions is cancer. Cancers cause obstruction as the growths project into the esophagus. Dysphagia that is due to cancer is usually progressive.
Barium swallow is useful for select conditions and not necessarily for all cases of difficulty in swallowing. For example, the study has very limited benefit when used in patients whose main problem is an infection. This is in contrast to patients that have obstructive conditions such as tumors or those that have inflammatory conditions brought about by corrosive effects of acids and alkalis.
One needs to be adequately prepared before they undergo the test. Part of this will include modifying the diet so that it has less fiber content. The aim of all this is to ensure that gut motility is enhanced and that the stomach remains as empty as possible. The doctor will explain to you what is involved during the test and the expected results and complications.
A fast of at least eight hours is recommended before the test is conducted. Such a fast ensures that the stomach remains as empty as possible. The test itself depends on images that are generated by X-rays. The rays are directed to the chest and neck (regions that are traversed by the esophagus). Rules that apply to all other X-ray imaging studies apply here as well.
A special type of chemical compound, barium sulfate is needed for the test. The compound is mixed with water to form a suspension that is drank by the person undergoing this investigation. This compound is unique in that it does not allow the penetration of X-rays and instead projects a shadow onto the X-ray film. The shadow that is cast corresponds to the outline of the esophagus.
After the image of the esophagus has been generated, it is studied by the radiologist and a report is prepared. You will then take back this report to the doctor who requested for it. Treatment is determined by the underlying cause. Some cases resolve spontaneously, others can easily be treated easily using drugs while others require surgical intervention. Other specialists such as neurologists, oncologists and ear, nose and throat surgeons may have to be involved.
The procedure is regarded as being safe generally. Only a few side effects are encountered from time to time. Examples of those that are encountered commonly include changes in stool color and constipation. The good news is that these effects resolve spontaneously within a few days. Resumption of normal diet can take place as soon as the test has been conducted. In rare circumstances, allergic reactions may occur.
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