Modified Barium Swallow

Disclaimer: This information sheet is for education purposes only. Please consult with your doctor or other health professional to make sure this information is right for your child.

What is it?

A Modified Barium Swallow/Video Fluoroscopy is an X-ray examination used to diagnose difficulties related specifically to swallowing. The purpose of this assessment is to determine if a child is safe to swallow and if so, what types of food and liquids are safe. Several phases of swallowing are examined to determine if a child is having any difficulty with, aspiration (penetration of food or fluid into the airway), control, reflux etc. The four phases of swallowing are: oral preparatory phase, oral phase (mouth), pharyngeal phase (throat) and oesophageal phase (track leading to the stomach).

A Modified Barium Swallow may also be used to identify safe swallowing positions, therapy techniques and feeding procedures.

The procedure?

During the examination the child is given different textures and consistencies of barium-coated foods and liquids similar to the types of foods they generally eat.

The child lies on an X-ray table or is positioned in a chair, depending on the age of the child. The Radiologist X-rays and videos each swallow as the Speech Pathologist positions and trials the various food consistencies.

Once the assessment is completed the Speech Pathologist and Radiologist will make recommendations as to the safety of the child's swallow and the various foods or liquids that are considered appropriate.

If a child is unable to swallow either foods or liquids safely, the speech pathologist may recommend non oral feeding via a tube. Refer to this section for further details on non oral feeding.

Who do I see and how is it diagnosed?

A Speech Pathologist will be able to assess whether a child is experiencing difficulties with their swallowing. A general swallowing examination is conducted prior to a Modified Barium Swallow being recommended. A Speech Pathologist or Doctor will make the referral to Radiology if a Modified Barium Swallow procedure is considered necessary.

Remember

• Always consult your Speech Pathologist or Doctor if you have any concerns about your child's swallowing.
• See Swallowing/Dysphagia for more information on swallowing difficulties.

Rehabilitation Department The Children's Hospital at Westmead Cnr Hawkesbury Rd & Hainsworth St, Westmead Locked Bag 4001, Westmead, 2145 Tel: (02) 9845 2132 - Fax: (02) 9845 0685 http://www.chw.edu.au/rehabilitation/