a modified barium swallow study

A modified barium swallow study, or MBSS, uses barium and X-rays to create an “x-ray movie” of your swallow by aggregating images from your mouth, throat, and upper esophagus. Barium is used during the X-ray to contrast the movement of food and liquid against the structures of your mouth, throat, and upper esophagus. The speech-language pathologist conducting the test will be able to interpret muscle function as you chew and swallow.

Why

A barium swallow test is done to diagnose swallowing problems in the mouth, pharynx, or esophagus.  

Your healthcare provider may have other reasons to recommend a barium swallow test. They may also recommend an additional Upper GI Barium Swallow test if there are signs of problems in the esophagus such as:

  • Pouches (diverticula)

  • Narrowing (strictures)

  • Hiatal hernia

  •  Spasms

  • Achalasia

  • Reflux

Risks

You may have constipation or impacted stool after the swallowing test if all of the barium does not pass out of your body. Your doctor or pharmacist may review your medication list and medical history for gastrointestinal risk factors. You should ask your healthcare provider about the risks as they apply to you. Some risks include:

  • Cumulative radiation exposure

  • Birth defects

  • Constipation

  • Intestinal Issues

Contraindications:

You may have other risks depending on your specific health condition. Tell your provider if you are allergic to or sensitive to medicines, contrast dyes, local anesthesia, iodine, or latex. Be sure to talk with your provider about any concerns you have before the procedure. You should avoid a barium swallow test if you have any of the following:

  • Currently pregnancy

  • Perforated/torn esophagus or intestines

  • Blockage in your intestines or severe constipation

  • Medications or medical conditions that slow gastric emptying

Procedure

Generally, a barium swallow test involves the following process:

  • Remove jewelry or clothes that may obstruct the view of your mouth, throat.

  • You will sit in a special chair in front of the X-ray beam. 

  • The speech language pathologist will give you barium to drink and foods coated in barium to eat. 

  • As you swallow the barium, the radiologist technician or physicians assistant will take a series of X-rays, to watch the barium moving through your mouth and throat.

  • If the speech language pathologist suspects a swallowing problem, they may instruct you to perform specific strategies to alleviate the problem.

    Side effects

    Barium may cause constipation or impacted stool after the swallowing test if it isn't completely cleared from your body. You can manage constipation by drinking plenty of fluids and eating foods high in fiber to help the rest of the barium leave your body. You may also be given a laxative to help with this. Your bowel movements may be white or lighter in color until all the barium has left your body.

    Call your healthcare provider right away if you have trouble with bowel movements or you are unable to have a bowel movement or pass gas; you experience pain or swelling of the abdomen; your stools that are smaller in size than normal; you develop a fever. Your healthcare provider may give you other instructions, depending on your situation.