Modified Barium Swallow (MBS) –Speech

  • What is MBS?

    MBS is a fluoroscopic procedure. It determines whether food or liquid is entering a person’s lungs. It allows our MBS care team to observe the coordination of anatomical structure in the mouth and throat, as they are actively functioning when chewing, drinking and swallowing.

  • What conditions does a barium swallow help diagnose?

      Inflammation
      Blockages
      Muscle disorders
      Ulcers
      Cancerous and non-cancerous tumors

  • How to prepare for a barium swallow?

      Follow the dietary guidelines your doctor gives you before your procedure.
      Do not eat or drink anything for six-seven hours before the procedure.
      Only small sips of water up until two hours before the procedure is allowed.
      Notify your doctor if you have any following conditions.

          1. Bowel perforation
          2. Bowel obstruction
          3. Difficulty swallowing
          4. Severe constipation

  • What is the procedure for barium swallow?

      You will be asked to remove your clothing and jewelry.
      Medical gown will be given to you.
      The technician will position you on an x-ray table.
      They may ask you to move your body position as they take standard x-ray of your lungs, heart, and abdomen.
      Then, technician will give you barium drink to swallow.
      You might have to hold your breath at certain times to prevent any movement from disrupting the x-ray images.
      Next, the technician will give you a thinner barium drink to swallow.
      They will again take an x-ray to watch how the barium moves down the esophagus.
      It takes 30-45 minutes to complete the process.

  • What does a barium swallow taste like?

    It is artificially flavored and sweetened. However, many people report that it tastes chalky.

  • Is there any side effect of barium swallow?

    If the barium swallow is not completely expelled from your body, it may cause constipation.

    Immediately contact your doctor if -

            There is a trouble having a bowel movement.
            You have pain in your abdomen..