Dysphagia is term referring to swallowing difficulties. It is a problem that varies in severity depending on the underlying problem. Whereas some people have difficulties only when it comes to solid foods, others have challenges for all food types. There are a number of investigations that can be undertaken to establish the cause of this problem. The swallow study for dysphagia is among the most informative tests used.
Not all patients that have a problem with swallowing need to be subjected to the test. The decision will be arrived at after considering various factors that include, among others, the medical history and the findings on the physical examination. Some of the information that may be used in decision making include the duration of the condition, progression and whether it relates to solids only or to all food types.
Lesions found within the esophagus are a common cause of this problem. Cancerous growths and polyps tend to obliterate the lumen and cause progressive dysphagia as the diameter is gradually reduced. Inflammatory conditions caused by ingestion of alkalis, acids or infections result in stricture formation which subsequently affects swallowing. Another possible cause is the presence of varices (enlarged veins). There may or may not be associated pain in all of these instances.
Some preparation is usually needed for an individual scheduled to undergo the test. Among the things to be done is to reduce the amount of fiber in the meals that are eaten two to three days prior to the test. The other important thing that one should remember is that they should have an overnight fast on the night of the test. This means that the last meal should be before midnight so that the digestive tract is empty by morning.
You will be exposed to X-rays. The main focus will the neck region so may have to momentarily have to remove some of your jewelry to avoid interference with results. The radiographer will ask you to drink a suspension of barium sulfate, radiopaque compound. Radiopaque compounds do not allow X-rays to penetrate them and usually cast shadows. Any lesions in the esophagus will be projected onto the X-ray film.
The complications associated with this test are very few and rarely encountered. Worth mentioning is the possibility of allergy that may lead to anaphylaxis is previously sensitized individuals. Prior testing with barium sulfate helps to avoid this complication. Another complication that may arise is constipation but this too is rare and when it occurs it usually resolves without any form of intervention.
You can resume your regular diet as soon as you leave the X-ray room. Light diet may be recommended in cases where a fear for constipation exists. Do not be worried if you notice your stool taking a chalky white color. This is the barium sulfate being released by the digestive tract. Adequate hydration helps expedite the excretion process.
The management approach is greatly dependent on the findings of the doctor and the report that they receive from the radiologist. For some of the cases, there may be no need to intervene as they are self-limiting. For others, additional investigations may be needed. Such will include, for example endoscopy and even CT scan and MRI imaging. Specialist doctors such as otolaryngologists, neurologist and gastroenterologists will most likely be consulted.
Not all patients that have a problem with swallowing need to be subjected to the test. The decision will be arrived at after considering various factors that include, among others, the medical history and the findings on the physical examination. Some of the information that may be used in decision making include the duration of the condition, progression and whether it relates to solids only or to all food types.
Lesions found within the esophagus are a common cause of this problem. Cancerous growths and polyps tend to obliterate the lumen and cause progressive dysphagia as the diameter is gradually reduced. Inflammatory conditions caused by ingestion of alkalis, acids or infections result in stricture formation which subsequently affects swallowing. Another possible cause is the presence of varices (enlarged veins). There may or may not be associated pain in all of these instances.
Some preparation is usually needed for an individual scheduled to undergo the test. Among the things to be done is to reduce the amount of fiber in the meals that are eaten two to three days prior to the test. The other important thing that one should remember is that they should have an overnight fast on the night of the test. This means that the last meal should be before midnight so that the digestive tract is empty by morning.
You will be exposed to X-rays. The main focus will the neck region so may have to momentarily have to remove some of your jewelry to avoid interference with results. The radiographer will ask you to drink a suspension of barium sulfate, radiopaque compound. Radiopaque compounds do not allow X-rays to penetrate them and usually cast shadows. Any lesions in the esophagus will be projected onto the X-ray film.
The complications associated with this test are very few and rarely encountered. Worth mentioning is the possibility of allergy that may lead to anaphylaxis is previously sensitized individuals. Prior testing with barium sulfate helps to avoid this complication. Another complication that may arise is constipation but this too is rare and when it occurs it usually resolves without any form of intervention.
You can resume your regular diet as soon as you leave the X-ray room. Light diet may be recommended in cases where a fear for constipation exists. Do not be worried if you notice your stool taking a chalky white color. This is the barium sulfate being released by the digestive tract. Adequate hydration helps expedite the excretion process.
The management approach is greatly dependent on the findings of the doctor and the report that they receive from the radiologist. For some of the cases, there may be no need to intervene as they are self-limiting. For others, additional investigations may be needed. Such will include, for example endoscopy and even CT scan and MRI imaging. Specialist doctors such as otolaryngologists, neurologist and gastroenterologists will most likely be consulted.
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