Modified Barium Swallow

What is Modified Barium Swallow

Modified barium swallow is an X-ray exam that is used to help find the cause of swallowing problems. It is also called a swallow study. For this exam, you will eat or drink various forms of food that are mixed with a white, chalky substance called barium.

While you are eating these foods, X-ray images are used to view the areas of your body that are involved in the process of chewing and swallowing. The barium that is mixed with the foods makes it easier for your health care provider to see possible problems on the X-rays. For example, the health care provider can see if any food or liquid is inhaled (aspirated) into your windpipe.

A modified barium swallow may be used to help diagnose various medical conditions that can cause swallowing problems. By identifying problems with the swallowing process, the procedure can also be used to help determine the best treatment for swallowing disorders.

Tell a health care provider about:

  • Any allergies you have, especially allergies to contrast material.
  • Any problems you or family members have had with anesthetic medicines.
  • All medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines.
  • Any blood disorders you have.
  • Any surgeries you have had.
  • Any medical conditions you have.
  • Whether you are pregnant or may be pregnant.

What are the risks?

Generally, this is a safe procedure. However, problems may occur, including:

  • Exposure to a small amount of radiation.
  • Difficulty passing stool (constipation).
  • Hardened stool (fecal impaction).
  • Allergic reaction to the barium. This is rare.

What happens before the procedure?

  • Follow your health care provider’s instructions about eating or drinking restrictions.
  • Ask your health care provider about changing or stopping your regular medicines. This is especially important if you are taking diabetes medicines or blood thinners.

What happens during the procedure?

  • You will be standing or sitting upright in a chair.
  • You will be given different foods and liquids to chew and swallow. Each food item will be covered with or contain barium.
  • You may be asked to turn your head, sit back, hold your breath, cough, or take small bites during the test.
  • Using a type of X-ray called videofluoroscopy, the health care provider will watch the act of swallowing as you eat the food items. Video images of the swallowing process will be taken and displayed on a monitor. They will also be stored for later viewing.

The procedure may vary among health care providers and hospitals.

What happens after the procedure?

  • Ask your health care provider, or the department that is doing the test:
    • When will my results be ready?
    • How will I get my results?
    • What are my treatment options?
    • What other tests do I need?
    • What are my next steps?
  • Return to your normal activities and your normal diet as told by your health care provider.
  • Take a laxative to help remove the barium from your body. Your stool may be white or gray for 2–3 days until all the barium has passed out of your body.
  • Take action to prevent or treat constipation after this procedure. Your health care provider may recommend that you:
    • Drink enough fluid to keep your urine pale yellow.
    • Eat foods that are high in fiber, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and beans.
    • Limit foods that are high in fat and processed sugars, such as fried or sweet foods.
    • Take an over-the-counter or prescription medicine for constipation.
  • Call your health care provider if:
    • You have difficulty passing stool, or you are unable to pass stool or gas.
    • You have pain or swelling in your abdomen.
    • You have a fever.

Summary

  • A modified barium swallow is an X-ray exam that is used to help find the cause of swallowing problems.
  • For the procedure, you will eat or drink various forms of food that are mixed with a white, chalky substance called barium. Mixing barium with foods makes it easier for your health care provider to see possible problems on the X-rays.
  • Generally, this is a safe procedure. The barium will pass out of your body within 2–3 days.
  • Talk with your health care provider about what your results mean.
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