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.
The causes of dysphagia are many. They include, for instance, infections that may be bacterial, fungal or viral. Infections often result in swelling of the pharynx which subsequently causes difficulties in swallowing. The difficulty in this case is mostly temporary. Another major group of conditions is cancer. Cancers cause obstruction as the growths project into the esophagus. Dysphagia that is due to cancer is usually progressive.
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.
As is the case with many forms of medical investigations, there is a need for one to be taken through some form of preparation. The doctor will give you some instructions regarding your diet a day or two before the procedure is carried out. They will also explain to you what exactly is carried out and obtain your consent to proceed with the investigation. One is required to eliminate fiber from their diet during the preparation stage.
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.
To conduct this test, a special type of compound is needed. This compound is known as barium sulfate and has to be dissolved in water. The patient will drink a cupful of the liquid and subjected to X-ray imaging. Since the compound is radiopaque, the rays cannot penetrate it hence cast a shadow on the X-ray film. Studying the shadow so generated helps in the assessment of the affected body region.
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.
Barium swallow is considered generally safe. However, a few side effects may be encountered from time to time among some individuals. Such will include constipation and a change of stool color to chalky white. These effects are temporary and one will usually go back to normalcy in a matter of days. One can resume their normal diet as soon as they have completed the test.
The causes of dysphagia are many. They include, for instance, infections that may be bacterial, fungal or viral. Infections often result in swelling of the pharynx which subsequently causes difficulties in swallowing. The difficulty in this case is mostly temporary. Another major group of conditions is cancer. Cancers cause obstruction as the growths project into the esophagus. Dysphagia that is due to cancer is usually progressive.
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.
As is the case with many forms of medical investigations, there is a need for one to be taken through some form of preparation. The doctor will give you some instructions regarding your diet a day or two before the procedure is carried out. They will also explain to you what exactly is carried out and obtain your consent to proceed with the investigation. One is required to eliminate fiber from their diet during the preparation stage.
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.
To conduct this test, a special type of compound is needed. This compound is known as barium sulfate and has to be dissolved in water. The patient will drink a cupful of the liquid and subjected to X-ray imaging. Since the compound is radiopaque, the rays cannot penetrate it hence cast a shadow on the X-ray film. Studying the shadow so generated helps in the assessment of the affected body region.
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.
Barium swallow is considered generally safe. However, a few side effects may be encountered from time to time among some individuals. Such will include constipation and a change of stool color to chalky white. These effects are temporary and one will usually go back to normalcy in a matter of days. One can resume their normal diet as soon as they have completed the test.
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