Dysphagia is the term given to the symptom of difficulty in swallowing. This symptom may be experienced due to a number of conditions that include inflammatory conditions, cancers and infections among others. A swallow study for dysphagia (or barium swallow) is one of the investigations that provide useful information on such conditions. We will look at some important aspects of this investigation.
The need for the barium swallow is determined, in a large part, by the history of your illness. If the condition has lasted for just a few hours or days and there is no known predisposing factor, chances are that you will be observed for a while first before you can be sent for the test. On the other hand, if there is a longstanding history or if the condition has been progressive in severity you are likely to benefit.
Cancer of the esophagus (food pipe) is among the commonest indications for this test. This cancer is characterized by worsening difficulty in swallowing occurring within months. It is associated with marked weight loss attributable both to reduced food intake and to the effects of the cancer itself. As the cancer grows into the cavity, it obstructs it and prevents passage of solid foods, followed by semi-solids and eventually liquids.
The second most common indication of swallow studies is strictures. A stricture is a narrowing of a tubular organ caused by scar tissue. This tends to follow infections, chemical or physical injuries. Ingested corrosive acids and bases are some of the causes of chemical injuries. Other indications include polyps, ulcers and varicose vessels.
The investigation is quite easy to carry out. It consists of a preparation and an imaging stage. As preparation, one is advised to reduce the fiber content of their diet for two or three days before the test is conducted. Another additional requirement is that one takes their last meal 8 hours before they undergo the test. On the morning of the barium swallow, you will be given a cupful of a suspension containing barium sulfate.
Barium sulfate has unique properties. It does not allow X-rays to pass through it hence it casts a shadow onto the X-ray film. The suspensions fills the entire esophagus which means any defects within it will be demonstrated on the film. If one has ulcers, these will be seen as areas within the wall occupied by the suspension. If they have polyps or other masses, in contrast, they will be seen as projections into the lumen.
There are no major risks associated with this test. Rarely, some patients may have an allergic reaction to the barium sulfate. These are persons that have been sensitized to the compound and have preexisting antibodies. Make sure that your doctor knows about this if you have been affected in the past. Alternative tests such as endoscopy can be considered 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 need for the barium swallow is determined, in a large part, by the history of your illness. If the condition has lasted for just a few hours or days and there is no known predisposing factor, chances are that you will be observed for a while first before you can be sent for the test. On the other hand, if there is a longstanding history or if the condition has been progressive in severity you are likely to benefit.
Cancer of the esophagus (food pipe) is among the commonest indications for this test. This cancer is characterized by worsening difficulty in swallowing occurring within months. It is associated with marked weight loss attributable both to reduced food intake and to the effects of the cancer itself. As the cancer grows into the cavity, it obstructs it and prevents passage of solid foods, followed by semi-solids and eventually liquids.
The second most common indication of swallow studies is strictures. A stricture is a narrowing of a tubular organ caused by scar tissue. This tends to follow infections, chemical or physical injuries. Ingested corrosive acids and bases are some of the causes of chemical injuries. Other indications include polyps, ulcers and varicose vessels.
The investigation is quite easy to carry out. It consists of a preparation and an imaging stage. As preparation, one is advised to reduce the fiber content of their diet for two or three days before the test is conducted. Another additional requirement is that one takes their last meal 8 hours before they undergo the test. On the morning of the barium swallow, you will be given a cupful of a suspension containing barium sulfate.
Barium sulfate has unique properties. It does not allow X-rays to pass through it hence it casts a shadow onto the X-ray film. The suspensions fills the entire esophagus which means any defects within it will be demonstrated on the film. If one has ulcers, these will be seen as areas within the wall occupied by the suspension. If they have polyps or other masses, in contrast, they will be seen as projections into the lumen.
There are no major risks associated with this test. Rarely, some patients may have an allergic reaction to the barium sulfate. These are persons that have been sensitized to the compound and have preexisting antibodies. Make sure that your doctor knows about this if you have been affected in the past. Alternative tests such as endoscopy can be considered 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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