What does a video swallow test show?

What does a video swallow test show?

Your doctor has requested a procedure called a video swallowing exam. This exam is performed to evaluate frequent choking, coughing, recurrent pneumonia and problems swallowing, which may be associated with stroke or surgery.

How long does it take for a barium swallow test?

A barium swallow is performed in radiology by a radiology tech. The entire procedure takes approximately 30 minutes, and you should have results within a few days.

What is the procedure for a swallow test?

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.

Does a barium swallow test hurt?

Barium is a white liquid that is visible on X-rays. Barium passes through the digestive system and does not cause a person any harm.

What is a swallow test for the elderly?

A bedside swallow exam is a test to see if you might have dysphagia, which causes trouble swallowing. Dysphagia sometimes leads to serious problems. When you swallow, food passes through your mouth and into a part of your throat called the pharynx.

What does it mean if you fail a swallow test?

Test failure is defined as the inability to drink the entire amount continuously, any cough up to 1 min after the swallowing attempt, or the development of a wet, gurgly, or hoarse vocal quality.

Which is better endoscopy or barium swallow?

endoscopy. The barium swallow is a less invasive way to look at the upper GI tract than an endoscopy. Barium swallows are a useful diagnostic tool for checking for upper GI tract disorders that can be easily diagnosed with X-ray alone. More complex disorders require endoscopy.

How do I prepare for a barium swallow test?

You can prepare for a barium swallow test by considering the following:

1. Your healthcare provider will explain the barium swallow test to you.
2. You may be asked to sign a consent form that gives permission to do the swallowing test.
3. You will need to stop eating and drinking for about 8 hours before the swallowing test.

What happens if you fail a swallow test?

You will usually be told the results right away. If you don’t have any problems with swallowing, you may be able to eat normally again. You might need follow-up tests if your medical team is still worried that you may have dysphagia.

Why do seniors have problems swallowing?

Older adults’ teeth are often weak or absent. The mucosal surfaces in the mouth and throat are less moist. There is a loss of muscle strength in the mouth and throat that slows swallowing and makes it difficult to swallow hard or dry solid foods.

What does a swallow test diagnose?

Barium swallow can diagnose GERD, heartburn, hiatal hernias, and other conditions. A barium swallow is a test that may be used to determine the cause of painful swallowing, difficulty with swallowing, abdominal pain, bloodstained vomit, or unexplained weight loss.

How do you fix swallowing problems?

Treatment for dysphagia includes:

1. Exercises for your swallowing muscles. If you have a problem with your brain, nerves, or muscles, you may need to do exercises to train your muscles to work together to help you swallow.
2. Changing the foods you eat.
3. Dilation.
4. Endoscopy.
5. Surgery.
6. Medicines.