How is a swallow evaluation done?

You’ll be asked to swallow different types of food and drink of different consistencies, mixed with a non-toxic liquid called barium that shows up on X-rays. The results are recorded, allowing your swallowing problems to be studied in detail. A videofluoroscopy usually takes about 30 minutes.

How do you do fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing?

A fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) test is a procedure used to assess how well you swallow. During the procedure, a speech-language pathologist (SLP) passes a thin, flexible instrument through your nose. Then the SLP views parts of your throat as you swallow.

How do you do a swallow study?

The radiologist will ask you to take a swallow of a thick, chalky barium drink. The barium is usually flavored, but it may not taste very good. As you swallow the barium, the radiologist will take single pictures, a series of X-rays, or fluoroscopy to watch the barium moving through your mouth and throat.

What kind of doctor do you see for trouble swallowing?

What kind of doctor do you see for swallowing problems? Depending on the underlying cause of your swallowing problem, you may be referred to see a Gastroenterologist, an Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) doctor, or a neurologist.

What is a fiberoptic endoscope?

Fibre-optic endoscopes are pliable, highly maneuverable instruments that allow access to channels in the body that older, semirigid instruments cannot access at all or can access only at great discomfort to the patient.

What is the Mendelsohn maneuver?

The Mendelsohn maneuver is a method of intentionally holding the larynx when the larynx is elevated, so that activation of the suprahyoid muscles is induced4). In this study, the Mendelsohn maneuver was performed for approximately 5 seconds, and the suprahyoid muscles would have been activated within this time.

Can ENT help with swallowing?

If swallowing is challenging on a consistent basis, you should consult with an ENT (ear, nose, throat) specialist – or an otolaryngologist. ENT specialists are specifically trained to diagnose and treat conditions related to the throat and voice so they are equipped to diagnose and treat issues with swallowing.

What is a common treatment for persons with swallowing difficulties?

Try eating smaller, more frequent meals. Cut your food into smaller pieces, chew food thoroughly and eat more slowly. If you have difficulty swallowing liquids, there are products you can buy to thicken liquids. Trying foods with different textures to see if some cause you more trouble.

What is the difference between an upper GI and a barium swallow?

An upper GI series is an examination of the esophagus and stomach using barium to coat the walls of the upper digestive tract so that it may be examined under X-ray. An upper GI that focuses on the esophagus is also known as a barium swallow.

Can a barium swallow detect hiatal hernia?

Barium swallow and endoscopy allowed the diagnosis of hiatal hernia in 75% and 97.5%, respectively (p = 0.003). The correct classification of hiatal hernia was confirmed in 50% by barium swallow and 80% by endoscopy (p = 0.005).