A barium swallow study, also called an esophagram, is a type of X-ray test used to visualize the upper digestive tract, specifically the esophagus and stomach. It is a valuable diagnostic tool for evaluating the structure and function of the upper digestive tract.
If you're experiencing symptoms like difficult or painful swallowing, pain, or other related problems, your doctor may recommend this test to help determine the underlying cause. During the procedure, you drink a liquid containing barium, a chalky substance that coats the lining of these organs. Because barium is visible on X-rays, it allows the radiologist to see the size, shape, and movement of your throat and esophagus as you swallow. This helps to identify any abnormalities that might be causing problems. Sometimes, the barium is mixed with different substances like a barium pill or barium paste/pudding to help assess the ability to swallow different textures.
A doctor might order a barium swallow study to investigate a variety of symptoms or conditions related to the upper digestive tract. Here are some of the most common reasons:
A Modified barium swallow study (MBSS), also known as a video fluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS), is a real-time X-ray procedure used to evaluate swallowing function. The modified part signifies that the standard barium swallow is modified to test other regions in the digestive process. Unlike a standard barium swallow that focuses primarily on the esophagus, the MBSS concentrates on the oral and pharyngeal phases of swallowing. In simpler terms, it looks at what happens in your mouth and throat when you swallow, specifically assessing safety and efficiency. Both a radiologist and a speech-language pathologist (SLP) will often be involved in the modified version.
An MBSS is typically recommended for individuals who are experiencing:
When it comes to your health, choosing the right provider for diagnostic procedures like a barium swallow study is essential. At AHN, we offer a comprehensive approach to ensure accurate results, patient comfort, and expert care throughout the entire process.
Choosing AHN for your barium swallow study means choosing expertise, advanced technology, and a patient-centered approach. At our Esophageal and Gastric Cancer Center of Excellence, we are dedicated to providing you with the accurate and timely information you need to make informed decisions about your health.
Depending on your condition, a barium swallow study can be done as an outpatient procedure. It is often done in the radiology area of a hospital or health care setting and takes about 30 minutes. Your AHN care team will review everything you need to do to prepare for a barium swallow study, so you feel informed and ready. Generally, you can expect to prepare by fasting before the procedure and reviewing your medical history, including what medications or supplements you are taking, with your provider. Here’s what you may expect:
Since a barium swallow study doesn't usually involve sedation, you are generally able to resume their normal activities immediately after the procedure. Some individuals may experience mild bloating or nausea shortly after the test, but these symptoms are usually temporary and resolve on their own. There are some post-procedure side effects that may need to be managed and ways to easily treat them. These include:
While most people recover without any issues, it's important to contact a doctor if any of the following symptoms occur:
Questions about a barium swallow study? Your AHN care team is here to help. These frequently asked questions can help you feel ready to talk with your health care provider before the procedure.
The barium swallow test typically takes about 30 minutes to complete. However, the duration can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the specific findings that the radiologist needs to evaluate.
A barium swallow test is used to diagnose a variety of conditions affecting the esophagus, stomach, and upper small intestine (duodenum). Some of the conditions it can help identify include:
Yes, in most cases, you can drive yourself home after a barium swallow test. The test does not typically involve any sedation that would impair your ability to drive. However, if you have any concerns, it's always a good idea to arrange for someone to drive you home, especially if you are prone to anxiety or have a history of feeling unwell after medical procedures.
If doctors suspect there is an issue with food moving down, they order a barium swallow. If they think you're coughing or choking when swallowing, they order a modified barium swallow study.
While both barium swallow studies and endoscopies are used to evaluate the upper digestive tract, they provide different types of information:
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