Ten Facts About Swallowing Disorders

7. Testing for Dysphagia

Barium swallow tests are common in the diagnosis process for dysphagia. After the patient ingests the barium contrast, the practitioner takes an x-ray or video of the swallowing process. The medical provider can see how the muscles move and where the contrast goes when swallowed. Some people may require an endoscopy: the practitioner inserts a tube with a tiny camera through the nose or mouth to observe the swallowing process. A manometry test is similar, but the inserted tube measures the esophagus muscle and valve strength.

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