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.
One of the commonest reasons as to why this test is needed is esophageal cancer. This cancer is characterized by progressive difficulty in swallowing experienced over several months. In the initial stages, the difficulty is only experienced with solids but with time, it involves semi-solids and liquids as well. Reduced food intake and growing cancer tissue lead to significant weight loss in affected persons.
Strictures are the second most common condition diagnosed by the test. These are scar tissue bands that cause narrowing of the tube and make it difficult for food to pass. They may be caused by previous infections or chemical injury by ingested corrosive acids or alkalis. Other conditions that may be encountered include ulcers and varicose vessels and polyps (masses) that obliterate the lumen.
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.
The unique properties of barium sulfate make it the ideal compound for this purpose. The compound is radiopaque meaning that it is not penetrated by X-rays. Its presence is indicated by a shadow cast onto the X-ray film. A filling defect suggests a growth into the esophagus such as a cancer or a polyp. A projection of the compound into the esophageal wall, in contrast, is highly suggestive of an ulcer.
There are no major risks associated with this test. Rarely, some patients may have an allergic reaction to the barium sulfate. These are persons that have been sensitized to the compound and have preexisting antibodies. Make sure that your doctor knows about this if you have been affected in the past. Alternative tests such as endoscopy can be considered in such cases.
The treatment of your condition will be dependent on the findings. In some cases, there may be a need to repeat the test in a few weeks to observe changes. The doctor may also recommend other tests to evaluate the condition further. Such may include endoscopy (to examine lesions and take specimens), CT scans and so on. Other specialists such as gastroenterologists, ear, nose and throat surgeons and neurologists may have to be consulted as well.
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.
One of the commonest reasons as to why this test is needed is esophageal cancer. This cancer is characterized by progressive difficulty in swallowing experienced over several months. In the initial stages, the difficulty is only experienced with solids but with time, it involves semi-solids and liquids as well. Reduced food intake and growing cancer tissue lead to significant weight loss in affected persons.
Strictures are the second most common condition diagnosed by the test. These are scar tissue bands that cause narrowing of the tube and make it difficult for food to pass. They may be caused by previous infections or chemical injury by ingested corrosive acids or alkalis. Other conditions that may be encountered include ulcers and varicose vessels and polyps (masses) that obliterate the lumen.
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.
The unique properties of barium sulfate make it the ideal compound for this purpose. The compound is radiopaque meaning that it is not penetrated by X-rays. Its presence is indicated by a shadow cast onto the X-ray film. A filling defect suggests a growth into the esophagus such as a cancer or a polyp. A projection of the compound into the esophageal wall, in contrast, is highly suggestive of an ulcer.
There are no major risks associated with this test. Rarely, some patients may have an allergic reaction to the barium sulfate. These are persons that have been sensitized to the compound and have preexisting antibodies. Make sure that your doctor knows about this if you have been affected in the past. Alternative tests such as endoscopy can be considered in such cases.
The treatment of your condition will be dependent on the findings. In some cases, there may be a need to repeat the test in a few weeks to observe changes. The doctor may also recommend other tests to evaluate the condition further. Such may include endoscopy (to examine lesions and take specimens), CT scans and so on. Other specialists such as gastroenterologists, ear, nose and throat surgeons and neurologists may have to be consulted as well.
About the Author:
If you are looking for the latest information about a swallow study for dysphagia, go to our website here today. More details are available at http://www.swallowstudy.com now.