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.
Esophageal cancer is one of the commonest diagnoses that are made using the swallow study. This cancer is associated with a progressive difficulty in swallowing occurring within a few months. In the initial stages, the patients find it difficult to swallow solids. Over time, they begin to have the same problems swallowing semi-solid foods and eventually liquids. Due to reduced food intake and effects of the cancer, they lose a lot of weight.
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.
The investigation is generally safe. This notwithstanding, there are a number of risks that you should be aware of. Allergic reactions caused by the barium have been reported in some cases. It is important that you mention to the radiographer if you have had any such problems in the past. Persons that have this problem should have alternative tests such as endoscopy. Constipation is another common side effect.
The treatment of your condition will be determined by what is found on the test. Some cases may only require observation while others may need that follow up studies be done. This may be in the form of another barium swallow or an endoscopy. Endoscopy is used to determine the extent of the illness and to take biopsy specimens. It is common for the primary doctor to consult other specialists as well to work out the best management plan.
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.
Esophageal cancer is one of the commonest diagnoses that are made using the swallow study. This cancer is associated with a progressive difficulty in swallowing occurring within a few months. In the initial stages, the patients find it difficult to swallow solids. Over time, they begin to have the same problems swallowing semi-solid foods and eventually liquids. Due to reduced food intake and effects of the cancer, they lose a lot of weight.
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.
The investigation is generally safe. This notwithstanding, there are a number of risks that you should be aware of. Allergic reactions caused by the barium have been reported in some cases. It is important that you mention to the radiographer if you have had any such problems in the past. Persons that have this problem should have alternative tests such as endoscopy. Constipation is another common side effect.
The treatment of your condition will be determined by what is found on the test. Some cases may only require observation while others may need that follow up studies be done. This may be in the form of another barium swallow or an endoscopy. Endoscopy is used to determine the extent of the illness and to take biopsy specimens. It is common for the primary doctor to consult other specialists as well to work out the best management plan.
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