Dysphagia – An article by food pipe doctor

Yes. Your doctor will do an exam and ask about your symptoms. Another test might include:

• A barium X-ray – For this test, you drink a thick liquid called a “barium solution.” It coats the inside of your esophagus. The barium shows up on X-rays, so that the doctor can see any problems in the esophagus.
• A swallowing study – For this test, you eat different foods coated with barium. X-rays taken throughout the test show if you have got problems with the muscles in your mouth or throat. This test is additionally called a “video fluoroscopy.”
• Upper endoscopy – For this test, the doctor puts a thin, flexible tube into your mouth, down your throat, and into your esophagus. The tube (called an endoscope) has a camera and a light on it, so it allows the doctor to see inside the esophagus.
• Manometry – This test measures the pressure at different places inside your esophagus. To do this, a small tube that senses pressure is inserted through your nose, down your throat, and into your esophagus. The results of the test can tell your doctor how well the muscles that help you swallow are working.