Swallowing Studies
Swallowing studies are medical tests that evaluate how well a person can swallow food and liquids. These tests help identify swallowing difficulties, known as dysphagia, which can lead to choking or aspiration. Common methods include videofluoroscopic swallow studies (VFSS) and fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES), both of which provide visual assessments of the swallowing process.
During a swallowing study, patients typically consume various textures of food and liquids mixed with a contrast agent, allowing healthcare professionals to observe the swallowing mechanism. The results help guide treatment options, which may include swallowing therapy or dietary modifications to improve safety and nutrition.