Swallowing study

A swallowing study is a test that shows what your throat and esophagus do while you swallow. The test uses X-rays in real time (fluoroscopy) to film as you swallow. You'll swallow a substance called barium that is mixed with liquid and food. The barium shows the movements of your throat and esophagus on the X-ray while you swallow.

The test helps your doctor see why you're having trouble swallowing. After treatment, it can also show your doctor if the treatment worked.

Before the test

• Remove any jewelry that might get in the way of the X-ray picture.
• You may need to take off all or most of your clothes around the area being X-rayed.
• You may be given a gown to wear during the test.
• A lead shield will be placed over your pelvic area to protect it from radiation.

During the test

• You will stand or sit in front of the X-ray machine while the test is done.
• The doctor and a speech pathologist will guide you through a series of swallowing steps.
• Depending on the type of study, you will swallow liquid mixed with barium or solid foods coated with barium.
• While you swallow, the doctor and speech pathologist will watch the video screen. They may ask you to take different positions to see how they affect your swallowing. The X-rays are recorded so they can be looked at later.

Your doctor may tell you not to eat anything after midnight the night before the test.

Normal

The throat and esophagus look normal while you swallow. They do not have swelling, an injury, narrowing, or foreign objects.

Abnormal

The throat and esophagus don't look normal while you swallow. The test shows swelling, an injury, narrowing, or foreign objects that make it hard to swallow.