Children’s HealthSM speech-language pathologists (SLPs) use video swallow studies to diagnose swallowing disorders in children and design treatment plans.
Overview
What is a pediatric videofluoroscopic swallow study?
A video swallow test is an X-ray “movie.” It allows us to see how your child swallows and watch how food moves from the mouth through the esophagus and determine if your child has a swallowing condition called Dysphagia. Most important, it helps your doctors and providers see what is making it difficult for your child to safely eat and drink.
During the swallow evaluation, your child will eat and drink foods mixed with a liquid called barium. Barium is a chalk-like substance that can be seen on an X-ray and will make the food taste a little different. A video swallow test usually lasts 5 to 10 minutes.
Benefits
What are the benefits of a pediatric videofluoroscopic swallow study?
A video swallow study will give you and your child’s care team a clear understanding of why your child is having difficulty eating and drinking. If your child has Dysphagia, the results will help providers prepare the best treatment and feeding plan for your child and ensure they will get enough nutrition.
If your child has had a feeding tube or frequently chokes, the study will also allow our team to find ways to help your child stay safe while they’re eating at home. Sometimes, this means recommending things like new types of utensils, chairs and cups.
Side Effects
What are the side effects of pediatric videofluoroscopic swallow study?
Your child may not enjoy eating and drinking the barium liquid. During the test, there is a slight risk that your child may aspirate. Some patients may get a bit constipated from the barium and the next bowel movement may have some white coloration.
Risks
What are the risks of a pediatric videofluoroscopic swallow study?
Like with any X-ray, your child will be exposed to a small amount of radiation. We’ll expose your child to as little radiation as possible. If your child has received care that has exposed them to high amounts of radiation before, it’s important to let your provider know.
What to Expect
What to expect with a pediatric videofluoroscopic swallow study.
The video swallow study is a dysphagia screening test and helps determine dysphagia treatment plans. The test takes place in our radiology clinic. Parents may be in the room during the exam and often feed the barium solution to their child. Moms who are pregnant and the child’s siblings will need to wait outside the exam room because the study produces a small amount of radiation.
What to expect before a Pediatric Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study
Children cannot eat or drink anything for 2-3 hours before their appointment. You can bring anything you normally use to feed your child such as a bottle, nipple, sippy cup, their favorite plate or any special adaptive utensils. It can also be helpful to bring comfort items like a favorite toy or blanket.
Your SLP may also ask you to bring certain foods or drinks that your child will eat willingly.
What to expect during a Pediatric Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study
In the radiology suite, the SLP will give your child food of varying textures and liquids mixed with barium. The barium makes the food and liquid “glow” in the X-ray so your child’s doctors and providers can better see what happens when your child swallows that’s causing difficulty. Children are most often seated in a supportive chair.
During the exam, your child will eat and/or drink while we take a video X-ray (videofluoroscopy) to assess their swallow. The SLP may ask your child, or have you move your baby, to move into different positions as they eat and drink.
The exam usually lasts about 5 to 10 minutes.
What to expect after a Pediatric Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study
When all the X-ray pictures are taken, the radiologist and SLP may review the tape with you. Your child may return to normal daily activities right after the study.
How to Prepare
How do I prepare my child for a pediatric videofluoroscopic swallow study?
It’s always a good idea to share with your child what they will be doing when they come for a swallow study. It’s especially helpful for children who have fears about eating or feel discomfort when they eat or drink. Our SLPs and your child’s doctor can give you some ideas about how to talk about why the swallow study is important and that the barium might not taste very good.
It can be helpful to bring a list of the swallowing problems your child experiences throughout mealtime to discuss at the test.
Is my child allowed to eat and drink before a Pediatric Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study?
Your child should come to the exam hungry and ready to eat. The study lasts only a few minutes, so they won’t eat a full meal, but it’s helpful if they’re hungry. This will make it easier for them to eat during the study.
What are the prep instructions for a Pediatric Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study?
Before your appointment, make a list of the foods and drinks your child has trouble swallowing and what their symptoms include.
Try to not to eat too much in the 2-3 hours before the appointment, so your child is hungry.
What are the Child Life services for a Pediatric Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study?
Our child life specialists are always available to help your child feel more comfortable. Child life specialists provide age-appropriate support for children during medical care, helping them understand what to expect during procedures. They also offer therapeutic games, play activities and emotional support. You can ask your SLP or radiologist to request Child Life services for your video swallow study.
What questions should I ask my provider about a pediatric videofluoroscopic swallow study?
Will the barium interfere with any medications my child is taking?
How much radiation will my child be exposed to from the swallow study?
How will my child feel after the test?
How will the results help you understand my child’s issue?