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.
One needs to be adequately prepared before they undergo the test. Part of this will include modifying the diet so that it has less fiber content. The aim of all this is to ensure that gut motility is enhanced and that the stomach remains as empty as possible. The doctor will explain to you what is involved during the test and the expected results and complications.
A fast of at least eight hours is recommended before the test is conducted. Such a fast ensures that the stomach remains as empty as possible. The test itself depends on images that are generated by X-rays. The rays are directed to the chest and neck (regions that are traversed by the esophagus). Rules that apply to all other X-ray imaging studies apply here as well.
A special type of chemical compound, barium sulfate is needed for the test. The compound is mixed with water to form a suspension that is drank by the person undergoing this investigation. This compound is unique in that it does not allow the penetration of X-rays and instead projects a shadow onto the X-ray film. The shadow that is cast corresponds to the outline of the esophagus.
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.
One needs to be adequately prepared before they undergo the test. Part of this will include modifying the diet so that it has less fiber content. The aim of all this is to ensure that gut motility is enhanced and that the stomach remains as empty as possible. The doctor will explain to you what is involved during the test and the expected results and complications.
A fast of at least eight hours is recommended before the test is conducted. Such a fast ensures that the stomach remains as empty as possible. The test itself depends on images that are generated by X-rays. The rays are directed to the chest and neck (regions that are traversed by the esophagus). Rules that apply to all other X-ray imaging studies apply here as well.
A special type of chemical compound, barium sulfate is needed for the test. The compound is mixed with water to form a suspension that is drank by the person undergoing this investigation. This compound is unique in that it does not allow the penetration of X-rays and instead projects a shadow onto the X-ray film. The shadow that is cast corresponds to the outline of the esophagus.
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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