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 necessity to have a barium swallow is determined by the medical history of the condition in question as well as the findings on the physical examination. If dysphagia has been experienced for just a day or two in the absence of a known provoking event observation for a few more days may be done. If it has been present for a couple of months, on the other hand, it needs to be investigated.
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.
Strictures are another common reason as to why swallow studies are needed. Strictures are narrowed regions within the esophagus that are caused by scar tissue. The scars are in turn the result of healing processes necessitated by infections and chemical or physical injuries within the esophagus. Ingesting corrosive alkalis and bases either knowingly or unknowingly is a predisposing factor for stricture formation. Other indications include polyps, varicose veins and ulcers.
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.
The unique properties of barium sulfate make it the ideal compound for this purpose. The compound is radiopaque meaning that it is not penetrated by X-rays. Its presence is indicated by a shadow cast onto the X-ray film. A filling defect suggests a growth into the esophagus such as a cancer or a polyp. A projection of the compound into the esophageal wall, in contrast, is highly suggestive of an ulcer.
The test is largely a safe procedure. However, there are a number of risks that one should know of. Allergic reactions have been reported in a number of patients previously sensitized to the compound. If you have had such an experience in the past, make sure that you let your radiographer know about it. Alternative tests such as endoscopy are used in such cases.
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 necessity to have a barium swallow is determined by the medical history of the condition in question as well as the findings on the physical examination. If dysphagia has been experienced for just a day or two in the absence of a known provoking event observation for a few more days may be done. If it has been present for a couple of months, on the other hand, it needs to be investigated.
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.
Strictures are another common reason as to why swallow studies are needed. Strictures are narrowed regions within the esophagus that are caused by scar tissue. The scars are in turn the result of healing processes necessitated by infections and chemical or physical injuries within the esophagus. Ingesting corrosive alkalis and bases either knowingly or unknowingly is a predisposing factor for stricture formation. Other indications include polyps, varicose veins and ulcers.
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.
The unique properties of barium sulfate make it the ideal compound for this purpose. The compound is radiopaque meaning that it is not penetrated by X-rays. Its presence is indicated by a shadow cast onto the X-ray film. A filling defect suggests a growth into the esophagus such as a cancer or a polyp. A projection of the compound into the esophageal wall, in contrast, is highly suggestive of an ulcer.
The test is largely a safe procedure. However, there are a number of risks that one should know of. Allergic reactions have been reported in a number of patients previously sensitized to the compound. If you have had such an experience in the past, make sure that you let your radiographer know about it. Alternative tests such as endoscopy are used in such cases.
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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