videofluoroscopy swallow test

i've been looking for information on videofluoroscopy tests (my son may be having one) and thought i would share the info I found in case it helps another parent.

the best sites i've looked at are:

http://www.ich.ucl.ac.uk/gosh_families/information_sheets/swallow_test/s...

http://www.rbht.nhs.uk/patients/condition/videofluoroscopy/

http://hcd2.bupa.co.uk/fact_sheets/html/qanda/barium_swallow_and_meal_qa...

From what i can gather, a videofluoroscopy swallow is used to investigate swallowing problems such as choking, coughing, weight loss, breathing difficulties, taking a long time to eat. The test can also look for 'aspiration' or 'penetration' of food into the airway.

A Videofluoroscopy is done in an X-ray department and involves recording a 'moving x-ray' showing swallowing either food or liquid. The key thing here is that your child has to be willing to eat / drink during it!

Apparently you don't have to starve your child before hand which is good. you have to bring food/drink on the day. Parent/carers are allowed to stay with their child (although not if u r pregnant). 'barium sulphate' is mixed into the food/drink so it shows up on the x-ray, then the child has to sit next to the camera and eat/drink normally whilst camera takes pictures.

The swallow test usually takes under 30mins and some information sites say the results are given same day.

Hope this helps someone.

Kitty

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