Someone is said to have dysphagia if they have difficulty in swallowing. When you see a doctor with such a compliant, there are a number of investigations that can be performed to establish the possible diagnosis. The swallow study for dysphagia (otherwise known as barium swallow) is one of the most useful. We will look at how the test is done and how it helps with the process of diagnosis.
Before being subjected to the test, your doctor will require a detailed history of your condition. Some of the questions that you have to answer include the duration of your complaint, whether or not it has progressed with time and whether it involves solids, liquids or both. Let the doctor know if you have had any weight loss in the few weeks preceding the visit.
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 what gives this test its name. You will be asked to drink a cupful of the suspension and asked to wait for about thirty minutes after which you will be exposed to X-rays. This compound is described as being radio-opaque. What this means is that it does not let X-rays through and creates a silhouette instead. Lesions characteristically appear as either filling defects or projections into the shadow of the esophagus.
This test is largely safe for most people but there are some risks that one needs to be aware of. Anaphylaxis (allergic reactions) are perhaps the most commonly encountered. This tend to occur in persons that are allergic to the barium drink. Persons with this type of reaction should be investigated using alternative tests. Constipation and aspiration (rare) may also be encountered.
Normally, after the procedure, one can continue with their normal diet except in cases where the doctor has recommended a change. For the first one to three days, your stools will be chalky white as your gut clears the barium sulfate from the system. Drink lots of water and increase the amount of fiber in your diet to prevent constipation. The next step will depend on the report from the radiologist.
Treatment is dependent on the kind of disease that has been diagnosed by the test. It is not uncommon to have a normal result of barium swallow if when symptoms appear to persist. Whenever this happens, more sensitive tests such as the MRI and endoscopy have to be used. When a lesion is seen, on the other hand, the doctor will either begin the treatment process or refer you to the relevant specialist.
Before being subjected to the test, your doctor will require a detailed history of your condition. Some of the questions that you have to answer include the duration of your complaint, whether or not it has progressed with time and whether it involves solids, liquids or both. Let the doctor know if you have had any weight loss in the few weeks preceding the visit.
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 what gives this test its name. You will be asked to drink a cupful of the suspension and asked to wait for about thirty minutes after which you will be exposed to X-rays. This compound is described as being radio-opaque. What this means is that it does not let X-rays through and creates a silhouette instead. Lesions characteristically appear as either filling defects or projections into the shadow of the esophagus.
This test is largely safe for most people but there are some risks that one needs to be aware of. Anaphylaxis (allergic reactions) are perhaps the most commonly encountered. This tend to occur in persons that are allergic to the barium drink. Persons with this type of reaction should be investigated using alternative tests. Constipation and aspiration (rare) may also be encountered.
Normally, after the procedure, one can continue with their normal diet except in cases where the doctor has recommended a change. For the first one to three days, your stools will be chalky white as your gut clears the barium sulfate from the system. Drink lots of water and increase the amount of fiber in your diet to prevent constipation. The next step will depend on the report from the radiologist.
Treatment is dependent on the kind of disease that has been diagnosed by the test. It is not uncommon to have a normal result of barium swallow if when symptoms appear to persist. Whenever this happens, more sensitive tests such as the MRI and endoscopy have to be used. When a lesion is seen, on the other hand, the doctor will either begin the treatment process or refer you to the relevant specialist.
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