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 many conditions that are known to cause this problem. Bacterial, fungal and viral infections are among the commonest causes. These tend to contribute to inflammation (swelling) of various tissues in the mouth and esophagus. Cancers also have a major contribution. Dysphagia that is attributable to cancerous growths are characteristically progressive in nature indicating a growing mass.
Note that it is not every patient that has dysphagia who needs to undergo the study. The need for this investigation is determined by the findings if the doctor after carefully considering the medical history and physical examination. For instance, an individual who is suspected to be suffering from acute tonsillitis due to a bacterial infection may benefit from other forms of investigations.
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.
The procedure is regarded as being safe generally. Only a few side effects are encountered from time to time. Examples of those that are encountered commonly include changes in stool color and constipation. The good news is that these effects resolve spontaneously within a few days. Resumption of normal diet can take place as soon as the test has been conducted. In rare circumstances, allergic reactions may occur.
There are many conditions that are known to cause this problem. Bacterial, fungal and viral infections are among the commonest causes. These tend to contribute to inflammation (swelling) of various tissues in the mouth and esophagus. Cancers also have a major contribution. Dysphagia that is attributable to cancerous growths are characteristically progressive in nature indicating a growing mass.
Note that it is not every patient that has dysphagia who needs to undergo the study. The need for this investigation is determined by the findings if the doctor after carefully considering the medical history and physical examination. For instance, an individual who is suspected to be suffering from acute tonsillitis due to a bacterial infection may benefit from other forms of investigations.
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.
The procedure is regarded as being safe generally. Only a few side effects are encountered from time to time. Examples of those that are encountered commonly include changes in stool color and constipation. The good news is that these effects resolve spontaneously within a few days. Resumption of normal diet can take place as soon as the test has been conducted. In rare circumstances, allergic reactions may occur.
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