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Department of Speech Pathology

Language-Based Learning Disabilities

Dysphagia / Swallowing Disorder

Diagnosing Dysphagia

In addition to giving you a complete physical exam and taking a detailed medical history, a doctor may use tests to determine what’s causing dysphagia. These may include:

  • Barium X-ray—For this test, you drink a special solution that coats the inside of your esophagus, allowing it to show up better on X-rays. Your doctor can then see changes in the shape of your esophagus and can assess the muscular activity.

  • Endoscopy—A thin, flexible, lighted instrument (endoscope) is passed down your throat so that your doctor can view your esophagus.

  • Esophageal Muscle Test—In this test, called a small tube is inserted into your esophagus and connected to a pressure recorder. This allows muscle contractions of your esophagus to be measured as you swallow.

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