If the patient shows signs of aspiration (food in the airway or lungs), special tests may be required.
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.
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