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.
Before you have the test, your doctor will take you through some preparation. This is fairly simple and is carried out by the patient under instructions. The most important aspect of this process is to reduce the fiber content in the food for two to three days before the test is conducted. The next thing that you need to do is to undergo an overnight fast (the last meal should be taken before midnight on the morning of the test).
Since the test involves exposure to X-rays, it is conducted in the radiology department. When you get to the department, you will be asked to drink a cupful of a suspension containing barium sulfate. This compound is radiopaque. This means that it does not permit the entry of X-rays. The rays will cast a shadow of the compound as it passes down your esophagus and any lesions will be projected onto the 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.
Regular meals can be restarted as soon as the test has been completed. Due to the underlying risk of constipation, it is customary for some doctors to prescribe a light diet for a couple of diet. You may notice chalky white staining of your stool for a few days. This should not be a cause for worry as it is simply the effect of barium sulfate being released by the body.
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.
Before you have the test, your doctor will take you through some preparation. This is fairly simple and is carried out by the patient under instructions. The most important aspect of this process is to reduce the fiber content in the food for two to three days before the test is conducted. The next thing that you need to do is to undergo an overnight fast (the last meal should be taken before midnight on the morning of the test).
Since the test involves exposure to X-rays, it is conducted in the radiology department. When you get to the department, you will be asked to drink a cupful of a suspension containing barium sulfate. This compound is radiopaque. This means that it does not permit the entry of X-rays. The rays will cast a shadow of the compound as it passes down your esophagus and any lesions will be projected onto the 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.
Regular meals can be restarted as soon as the test has been completed. Due to the underlying risk of constipation, it is customary for some doctors to prescribe a light diet for a couple of diet. You may notice chalky white staining of your stool for a few days. This should not be a cause for worry as it is simply the effect of barium sulfate being released by the body.
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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