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.
There are numerous causes of dysphagia. On top of this list are infections which may be due to fungus, viruses or bacteria. The difficulty in swallowing is usually due to pain and the attendant inflammation. The good news is that most cases of dysphagia caused by infections respond well to medical therapy. Cancers are also a common cause of this problem. This is because their growth causes obstruction.
It is not every person with a swallowing problem that needs to undergo the study. The candidate needs to be carefully selected based on their medical history and the findings of their physical examination. If it is obvious that the cause of the problem is an infection then there is rarely a need to have this test. On the other hand, if a growth is suspected, then one must have it.
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.
Once the test has been conducted, the images have to be studied and interpreted by the radiologist. You will then be sent back to your primary doctor. The management from then on will depend on what is found from the study. The study is likely to show a normal outline of the esophagus in the case of infections and an abnormal one when cancerous growths have set in.
This test is considered safe. There are very few side effects seen among persons that are subjected to the study. Examples of side effects may include constipation and a persistent chalky white color of stool in the first few days after the test. These do not usually require any intervention as they resolve in a matter of days. Allergic reactions are rare but they have been reported in a few patients.
There are numerous causes of dysphagia. On top of this list are infections which may be due to fungus, viruses or bacteria. The difficulty in swallowing is usually due to pain and the attendant inflammation. The good news is that most cases of dysphagia caused by infections respond well to medical therapy. Cancers are also a common cause of this problem. This is because their growth causes obstruction.
It is not every person with a swallowing problem that needs to undergo the study. The candidate needs to be carefully selected based on their medical history and the findings of their physical examination. If it is obvious that the cause of the problem is an infection then there is rarely a need to have this test. On the other hand, if a growth is suspected, then one must have it.
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.
Once the test has been conducted, the images have to be studied and interpreted by the radiologist. You will then be sent back to your primary doctor. The management from then on will depend on what is found from the study. The study is likely to show a normal outline of the esophagus in the case of infections and an abnormal one when cancerous growths have set in.
This test is considered safe. There are very few side effects seen among persons that are subjected to the study. Examples of side effects may include constipation and a persistent chalky white color of stool in the first few days after the test. These do not usually require any intervention as they resolve in a matter of days. Allergic reactions are rare but they have been reported in a few patients.
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