Modified Barium Swallow

A modified barium swallow (also called a videofluoroscopic swallow study) is a test that checks your ability to swallow. It also helps plan treatment, if needed. During the test, a substance called barium is used. The barium coats the parts involved with swallowing (the tongue, mouth, throat, and esophagus) and makes them show up clearly on x-rays. The test is needed if you have problems swallowing and you're at risk of choking or aspiration (food or liquid going into the lungs). It is also needed if you have a feeding tube and the doctor wants to check if you can go back to eating by mouth.

Before the Test

• Let the doctor know of any medications you're taking. This includes vitamins, herbs, and over-the-counter medications. Certain medications may need to be stopped for a time in the days before the test.
• Stop eating and drinking 4 hours before the test.
• Follow any other instructions given by your doctor.

During the Test

The test takes place in an x-ray room in a hospital. It's performed by a technologist trained in radiology. A speech pathologist or feeding specialist is also present. These are persons trained to help patients with swallowing or feeding problems. A radiologist may be present as well. This is a doctor trained to use x-rays to test and treat patients.

• You'll likely be seated in a special chair that is next to an x-ray table. The x-ray table is set upright.
• You're given tiny amounts of foods and liquids of different textures to swallow. This may include thin liquids (such as water) or thick liquids (such as milk). You may also be given soft foods (such as pudding). The foods and liquids contain a small amount of barium.
• The speech pathologist or feeding specialist watches your swallowing. You're observed carefully for signs of problems as each food or liquid is swallowed. If problems do occur as you're swallowing, steps are quickly taken to treat these problems.
• An x-ray video is also taken as each food or liquid is swallowed. The barium in the foods and liquids shows up clearly on the x-ray video.

After the Test

• You may become constipated after the test. This is due to the barium. If you can drink liquids, drinking water may help to prevent this constipation.
• Your stool will appear chalky white or light for 1 to 2 days. This is a sign of the barium passing from your system.

Call Your Doctor If:

• You have severe constipation.
• You do not have signs of the barium passing (white or light stools) within 24 hours.

Follow-Up

The x-ray video and notes from the test are studied by the healthcare providers that were present for your test. These results are then discussed with your doctor. Your doctor will meet with you to go over the results. You'll be advised about what foods or liquids are safe for you. In severe cases of swallowing disorder, it won't be possible for you to eat or drink safely. This means you'll need a feeding tube if you don't already have one. Your doctor can tell you more about this, if needed.