Modified Barium Swallow Studies
Understanding how you swallow is the first step toward eating and drinking with confidence. Our team uses real-time imaging to help you find a safe path forward.
A clearer view of your swallowing health
Eating and drinking are among life’s simplest pleasures, yet they’re also complex physical processes. We often take for granted the intricate coordination required to move food from your mouth and throat down to your stomach. When that coordination is disrupted, it can lead to a swallowing disorder, also known as dysphagia. This can make meals feel stressful or even dangerous.
For people across East Central Indiana and West Central Ohio, Reid Health uses a specialized evaluation called a modified barium swallow study (MBSS) to provide a clear picture of the swallowing process. Sometimes referred to as a videofluoroscopic swallow study, this procedure is more than just a standard imaging test; it is a live-motion video that shows exactly how food and liquid move through the mouth and throat.
This detailed look at the anatomy in action helps both the you and your speech-language pathologist (SLP) understand the specific reason behind a swallowing difficulty. By seeing where a breakdown occurs — whether it is a delay in the swallow reflex or a physical obstruction — the clinical team can create a targeted treatment plan. This ensures that every recommendation, from texture changes to strengthening exercises, is based on your unique needs, with a primary focus on maintaining safety and preventing complications like aspiration.
What is a modified barium swallow study?
Providers use barium swallow tests to see how food moves through the digestive tract. A standard barium swallow looks at food as it moves through the throat and esophagus down into the stomach. In contrast, a modified barium swallow study is a specialized evaluation that looks specifically at the mouth and throat to identify why you may be having difficulty starting a swallow or keeping food from entering the airway.
During the procedure, you’re asked to swallow small amounts of various foods and liquids that contain a contrast material called barium. Barium is a safe, chalky substance that shows up clearly on X-rays. As you eat and drink, a specialized X-ray machine captures the movement in real time. This allows the care team to see whether food is traveling safely to the esophagus or is accidentally entering the airway — a condition known as aspiration. By watching this process in a live-action video, the SLP can determine the safest textures for you to eat and develop exercises to strengthen your swallowing muscles.
Why would you need an MBSS?
Your referring provider may suggest this study if you’re experiencing symptoms suggesting a breakdown in your eating and drinking habits. You may be an ideal candidate if you experience:
- A persistent feeling that food is stuck in your throat
- A stroke, head injury, or neurological condition like Parkinson’s disease
- A wet-sounding voice after drinking
- Frequent coughing or throat clearing during or after meals
- Frequent pneumonia or respiratory infections without a clear cause
What to expect
Your test will be performed by your speech-language pathologist and a radiologic technologist. Your SLP guides you through different textures, observes your movements, and suggests changes — like tucking your chin or changing how you sit — to see if they help make the swallowing process safer. The radiology technologist manages the imaging equipment. They ensure the images are clear and that you’re positioned correctly to capture the most accurate data, while keeping you comfortable throughout the brief procedure.
We understand that medical tests can feel intimidating, but we make the MBSS process as comfortable and straightforward as possible.
How to prepare for an MBSS
Your SLP or provider gives you detailed instructions to follow before the test. You may need to fast (avoid eating and drinking) before the test, or your provider may ask you to avoid certain medications. Be sure to follow the instructions you receive closely.
During the study
You’ll either lie down or sit in an upright position, much like you would be at a dinner table. The SLP gives you various items to swallow, starting with thin liquids and moving toward thicker textures like pudding or a small piece of a cookie. Each item contains a small amount of barium. As you swallow, your radiology technologist will use X-ray imaging to capture videos of the food moving through your mouth and throat.
The entire process is usually very quick, often taking less than 30 minutes.
After the procedure
You'll be able to go about your day and eat, drink, and take medications as usual after the test. Barium may cause some lingering side effects, including white stools (poop) and constipation, for a day or two after the test. Drinking plenty of water can help flush the barium out of your system, and taking over-the-counter laxatives can help with temporary constipation.
Common questions about MBSS
How long does a modified barium swallow study take?
While you may be in the imaging suite for about 15 minutes, the actual X-ray portion typically lasts only a few minutes.
Is the barium safe?
Yes. Barium is a standard contrast material used in numerous imaging procedures. It is not a dye, and it does not stay in your body. It simply passes through your digestive tract.
When will I get my results?
One of the best parts of an MBSS is that we see the results in real time. Your SLP can often give you preliminary feedback and safety tips before you leave the room. A formal report is sent to your provider shortly after.