If the patient shows signs of aspiration (food in the airway or lungs), special tests may be required.
Speech language pathologists might use include the Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES), and Modified Barium Swallow (MBS). This helps them assess the stages of swallowing, design the appropriate therapy program, and make safe diet/food determinations.
In a barium swallow the patient swallows a variety of liquids and foods mixed with barium, a substance that allows the radiologist and speech pathologist to see the swallowing process.
FEES assesses swallowing without X-rays. A FEES also shows how well a person swallows his/her saliva, and can show if secretions (saliva), liquids, or foods are aspirated. No preparation is necessary for the test, which takes about 10 minutes.