Is barium swallow a very common procedure?

Barium swallow tests: There are a variety of ways a barium swallow test can be conducted. The most common is simply having the patient swallow oral contrast while the radiologist watches the passage of barium down the esophagus. Sometimes different textures of barium are tested to see how each moves from the mouth to the esophagus and down. A modified barium swallow with speech therapist helps assess for aspiration.

Not uncommon: It is a common test in children with neurologic issues, prematurity, and palate deficiencies to make sure can ingest materials safely without aspiration. Aspiration can lead to lung disease.. It is certainly used in adults for stroke victims and their rehabilitation. Patients surving trauma to head with significant brain damage need swallows to also assess safe ingestion of liquids and food.