Test Overview
A swallowing study is a test that shows what your throat and esophagus do while you swallow. The test uses X-rays in real time (fluoroscopy) and records what happens when you swallow. While you swallow, the doctor and speech pathologist watch a video screen.
For a swallowing study, you will swallow liquid mixed with a substance called barium. Or you might swallow solid foods coated with barium.
The barium shows the movements of your throat and esophagus on the X-ray while you swallow.
Why It Is Done
The test helps your doctor see why you're having trouble swallowing.
How To Prepare
Tell your doctor if:
- You are taking any medicines.
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You are allergic to any medicines, barium, or any other X-ray contrast material.
- You are or might be pregnant.
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You are breastfeeding.
Your doctor may tell you not to eat anything after midnight the night before the test.
How It Is Done
Before the test
- Remove any jewelry that might get in the way of the X-ray picture.
- You may need to take off all or most of your clothes around the area being X-rayed.
- You may be given a gown to wear during the test.
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A lead shield will be placed over your pelvic area to protect it from radiation.
During the test
- You will stand or sit in front of the X-ray machine while the test is done.
- The doctor and a speech pathologist will guide you through a series of swallowing steps.
- Depending on the type of study, you will swallow liquid mixed with barium or solid foods coated with barium.
- While you swallow, the doctor and speech pathologist will watch the video screen. They may ask you to take different positions to see how they affect your swallowing. The X-rays are recorded so they can be looked at later.
- The test takes 20 to 30 minutes.
After the test
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You will probably be able to go home right away.
- You can go back to your usual activities right away.
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When the swallowing study is done, you may eat and drink whatever you like, unless your doctor tells you not to.
- You may have light-colored stools for a few days after the test while the barium leaves your body.
- The barium may cause constipation. Drink plenty of water for a couple of days after the test. You may take a laxative if needed. Call your doctor if you haven't had a bowel movement 2 or 3 days after the test.
How It Feels
The barium liquid is thick and chalky, and some people find it hard to swallow. A sweet flavor, like chocolate or strawberry, is used to make it easier to drink.
After the test, you may feel bloated and a little nauseated.
Risks
The barium in the food is not harmful.
Some people gag when they drink the barium fluid. In rare cases, a person may choke and inhale (aspirate) some of the liquid into the lungs.
There is a small chance that the barium will block the intestine or leak into the belly through a perforated ulcer.
If your doctor thinks you may be at risk for complications, he or she may use a special type of contrast material (Gastrografin) instead of barium.
There is always a small chance of damage to cells or tissue from being exposed to any radiation, even the low level of radiation used for this test.
Results
A swallowing study is a test that lets your doctor see what your throat and esophagus do while you swallow. The barium shows the movements of your throat and esophagus on the X-ray while you swallow.
Swallowing study findings| Normal: | The throat and esophagus look normal while you swallow. They do not have swelling, an injury, narrowing, or foreign objects. |
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| Abnormal: | The throat and esophagus don't look normal while you swallow. The test shows swelling, an injury, narrowing, or foreign objects that make it hard to swallow. |
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What Affects the Test
You may not be able to have the test, or the results may not be helpful, if:
- You eat before the test.
- You are pregnant.
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You aren't able to follow instructions during the test.
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You are extremely overweight.
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You have had a barium enema within a week before this test.
What To Think About
- The barium swallowed during a swallowing study may take several days to pass through the intestine. So if a barium enema is planned, it should be done at least a week after the swallowing test.
- Small children can have a swallow study.
Credits
ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerKathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerPeter J. Kahrilas, MD - Gastroenterology
Current as ofOctober 14, 2016