MSN: Take this 1-minute 'swallow test' to know your risk of deadly cancer Take this 1-minute 'swallow test' to know your risk of deadly cancer Having trouble swallowing? Do you have trouble chewing or are liquids going down the wrong pipe? There’s a new test that determines if you have a problem with swallowing, and it doesn’t involve x-rays ...

Understanding the Context

Difficulty swallowing or indigestion may mean there’s something going on in your esophagus. A barium swallow test (esophagram) is one way to find out what that something is. During a bedside swallow exam, your healthcare provider will assess your risk for dysphagia and aspiration. The test can be done in your hospital room.

Key Insights

It doesn’t need any special equipment. You will first be asked about your symptoms. You will also have a physical exam of the muscles used to swallow. Healthcare providers often perform specialized tests to diagnose and evaluate the severity of swallowing issues. It is very important to understand what different types of swallowing tests are out there, how they are conducted, and what you can expect from each of these tests.

Final Thoughts

A barium swallow is a type of X-ray test that helps your doctor see the back of your mouth and throat (pharynx), and the tube that extends from the back of the tongue down to the stomach... 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. A member of your healthcare team will likely ask you for a description and history of your swallowing difficulties, perform a physical exam, and use various tests to find the cause of your swallowing problem. Dysphagia tests check how well you swallow. They can diagnose health conditions that cause trouble swallowing and help you get the right treatment. Learn more.

A swallow test is a diagnostic tool used to objectively evaluate the physiological process of swallowing in individuals suspected of having dysphagia (difficulty swallowing). Doctors use barium swallow tests to evaluate dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing. This test helps healthcare providers see how the esophagus—the tube leading from the mouth to the stomach—functions during swallowing. It can be used to diagnose many causes of dysphagia.