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.
The causes of dysphagia are many. They include, for instance, infections that may be bacterial, fungal or viral. Infections often result in swelling of the pharynx which subsequently causes difficulties in swallowing. The difficulty in this case is mostly temporary. Another major group of conditions is cancer. Cancers cause obstruction as the growths project into the esophagus. Dysphagia that is due to cancer is usually progressive.
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 common for many similar tests, it is important to undergo adequate preparation before undergoing the test. Preparation includes, among other things, getting all the vital information on the test such as the procedure involved, the possible results and likely complications. You need to modify your diet for about two or three days by reducing the amount of fiber which may slow down gut motility.
One should fast for at least eight hours before they undergo the test. This will ensure that at the time of undergoing the investigation, the stomach is as empty as possible. X-rays are usually used in the process and are directed to the neck region and the chest. For this reason, any objects that may interfere with the results need to be removed. Such may include jewelry and metallic objects on clothes.
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.
Barium swallow is considered generally safe. However, a few side effects may be encountered from time to time among some individuals. Such will include constipation and a change of stool color to chalky white. These effects are temporary and one will usually go back to normalcy in a matter of days. One can resume their normal diet as soon as they have completed the test.
The causes of dysphagia are many. They include, for instance, infections that may be bacterial, fungal or viral. Infections often result in swelling of the pharynx which subsequently causes difficulties in swallowing. The difficulty in this case is mostly temporary. Another major group of conditions is cancer. Cancers cause obstruction as the growths project into the esophagus. Dysphagia that is due to cancer is usually progressive.
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 common for many similar tests, it is important to undergo adequate preparation before undergoing the test. Preparation includes, among other things, getting all the vital information on the test such as the procedure involved, the possible results and likely complications. You need to modify your diet for about two or three days by reducing the amount of fiber which may slow down gut motility.
One should fast for at least eight hours before they undergo the test. This will ensure that at the time of undergoing the investigation, the stomach is as empty as possible. X-rays are usually used in the process and are directed to the neck region and the chest. For this reason, any objects that may interfere with the results need to be removed. Such may include jewelry and metallic objects on clothes.
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.
Barium swallow is considered generally safe. However, a few side effects may be encountered from time to time among some individuals. Such will include constipation and a change of stool color to chalky white. These effects are temporary and one will usually go back to normalcy in a matter of days. One can resume their normal diet as soon as they have completed the test.
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