This procedure is done to look at the swallowing process using different textures of food and liquids.
Your appointment
Please see your appointment letter to find where your study will be performed. If you have any questions, please contact Radiology Scheduling at 1-319-356-3444.
If your child cannot do the prep listed below, the test may need to be delayed or canceled.
Preparing for the procedure
Food
Your child should have nothing to eat or drink for four hours before the procedure.
If your child has another test on the same day where they have been told not to eat or drink for a longer period of time, follow those instructions.
What to expect
Your child will be given a white liquid called barium, to eat or drink while having a series of x-rays taken. A speech pathologist will be present to assist with the exam and tell you what your child should and should not eat or drink.
After the procedure
Barium can be constipating, so your child should drink plenty of liquids (if liquids are recommended by the speech pathologist) after the procedure.
The barium may change the color of your child's stool to white.
If your child does not have a bowel movement in three days, call your child's doctor.
The contents of this website are for information purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not rely on the information provided for medical decision making and should direct all questions regarding medical matters to their physician or other health care provider. Use of this information does not create an express or implied physician-patient relationship.