How is a modified barium swallow performed?
A VFSE (modified barium swallow) exam looks at how you swallow different liquids and foods. It uses a special real-time form of x-ray called fluoroscopy. The doctor watches as the patient swallows items with different thicknesses and textures. These items may range from thin barium to barium-coated cookies.
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.
What does a modified barium swallow test show?
A modified barium swallow shows doctors if food or liquids are entering your child’s trachea (TRAKE-ee-uh) or windpipe during swallowing.
What is the difference between a barium swallow and a modified barium swallow?
During a Modified Barium Swallow test, you will remain standing or stay seated upright. During a Barium Swallow, you will lie down on a table. You may eat or drink various foods and liquids during a Modified Barium Swallow test. During a Barium Swallow, the test will involve the thin liquid Barium.
What do you eat during a modified barium swallow?
You will get tiny amounts of various food and liquids of different textures to swallow. You may get thin liquids (such as water) or thick liquids (such as milk). You may also get soft foods (such as pudding). The food and liquids will contain a small amount of barium.
What are the side effects of a barium swallow?
What are some serious side effects after a barium swallow test?
- Trouble with bowel movements or you are unable to have a bowel movement or pass gas.
- Pain or swelling of the abdomen.
- Stools that are smaller in size than normal.
- Fever.
Is a barium swallow radioactive?
It is normal for people to have white-colored stools the first few times they use the toilet after having a barium swallow test. Some people might worry about being exposed to radiation as part of the X-ray process. However, the amount of radiation a person is exposed to is minimal.
Do you need to be NPO for a barium swallow?
You will need to stop eating and drinking for about 8 hours before the swallowing test. Generally, this means after midnight. Tell your provider if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant before scheduling a barium swallow test.
Do you need to be NPO for barium swallow?
What happens during a modified barium swallow?
In modified barium swallow, you ingest foods and liquids containing barium sulfate, a contrast dye that sharply outlines your mouth, throat, and esophagus on x-ray film. Using real-time x-rays, or fluoroscopy, a physician and a speech pathologist observe the movement of the barium through these structures on a television monitor.
What liquids are used in modified barium swallow?
VARIBAR ® THIN HONEY (barium sulfate) oral suspension, VARIBAR ® NECTAR (barium sulfate) oral suspension, and VARIBAR ® THIN LIQUID (barium sulfate) for oral suspension, are indicated for use in modified barium swallow examinations to evaluate the oral and pharyngeal function and morphology in adult and pediatric patients.
What is the cost of a modified barium swallow study?
On average, a barium swallow test can cost anywhere from as little as $250 to as much as $600 without insurance. The cost will depend on the geographical location, the doctor and facility fees. If you have insurance, be sure to check with your provider because this is a test that is routinely covered as long as it is ordered by your doctor.
Is barium swallow and esophagram the same?
An esophagram is a medical imaging study of the esophagus, using X-rays and a radiopaque contrast agent, usually barium. This test is also known as a barium swallow or upper gastrointestinal series.