Learning About Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study (VFSS) for Children

A videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS), also called a modified barium swallow, is a type of x-ray (fluoroscopy) video to see what happens when your child swallows food and liquid.

For the VFSS, barium is mixed into your child’s food. Barium is a white, chalky substance that acts like a "highlighter" so the food and liquid can be seen moving on the x-ray.

When your child swallows, food and liquid go from their mouth down the food tube (esophagus) into their stomach.

The breathing tube (trachea) is right next to the esophagus, so sometimes food or liquid can go down the breathing tube into the lungs. This is called aspiration. It can lead to illnesses like pneumonia or upper respiratory infections.

Why your child needs a VFSS

Most often, the VFSS is done to look at whether your child’s swallow is safe or if they’re at risk for aspiration. An unsafe swallow can affect your child’s breathing, eating, and nutrition.

If you have questions about why your child is having the VFSS done or how to prepare, talk to your child’s healthcare provider (like a family doctor, nurse practitioner, or therapist).

Preparing for the VFSS

To make the VFSS go best, bring your child to the appointment comfortable, yet hungry, so they want to eat.

What to bring:

• familiar liquids: formula, milk, or juice
• familiar foods: foods your child likes and foods they find difficult to eat
• feeding tools: your child’s own bottles, nipples, cups, spoons, or forks
• comfort items: a favorite toy or tablet for distraction

Important reminders

• Your child’s healthcare provider will tell you when your child needs to stop eating and drinking before the VFSS.
• Please remove your child’s jewelry, like earrings and necklaces, before the VFSS.
• If you are pregnant or can’t be around radiation, please bring another parent or caregiver who is familiar with feeding your child.
• Please arrange childcare for siblings. Space in the x-ray room is limited and there is no supervision for other children.

During the VFSS

• The VFSS is done by a speech-language pathologist or occupational therapist (sometimes both), with a radiologist (a doctor that specializes in reading x-rays) and a radiology technologist (someone who takes pictures inside the body).
• Barium will be added to your child’s food. It may change the taste of the food slightly.
• During the VFSS, you’ll likely be encouraged to feed your child as you normally would. You may be asked to try a few different foods and to feed them in different ways to see what works best for your child.
• The x-ray will record your child eating for about 3 minutes. You can ask to stop at any time.
• The entire visit takes about 1 hour. This includes the time to get the food and your child ready, do the video x-ray, and talk about the results afterward.

After the VFSS

Your child won’t eat a whole meal during the VFSS.

After the VFSS, the team will explain the results to you and send them to your child’s healthcare provider. If needed, the team will work with you to create a safe, personalized feeding plan for your child.

Your child’s poop may look white or light grey for a day or 2 after the VFSS. This is the barium passing through their system. Barium can cause mild constipation. Give your child extra fluids to help the barium pass through.

Is the VFSS safe?

Yes, it is safe. The x-ray uses a small amount of radiation that’s well within safety limits. The VFSS keeps radiation low, while still giving important information about how your child swallows.

The barium is also safe. Reactions to barium are extremely rare and are usually very mild. Reactions can include swelling of the upper airway and low blood pressure. If these reactions occur, they are treated right away.

When you should call for help

After the VFSS, call your child’s healthcare provider if your child has:

• stomach cramps
• trouble having a bowel movement (constipation) for more than 24 hours

If you need health advice any time, day or night, call Health Link at 811.

To see this information online and learn more, visit MyHealth.Alberta.ca/health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=custom.ab_swallow_study_vfss_child_inst.

For 24/7 nurse advice and general health information call Health Link at 811.

Current as of: June 3, 2026

Author: Diagnostic Imaging, Alberta Health Services and Speech-Language Pathology, Allied Health Professions

This material is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified health professional. This material is intended for general information only and is provided on an "as is", "where is" basis. Although reasonable efforts were made to confirm the accuracy of the information, Alberta Health Services does not make any representation or warranty, express, implied or statutory, as to the accuracy, reliability, completeness, applicability or fitness for a particular purpose of such information. Alberta Health Services expressly disclaims all liability for the use of these materials, and for any claims, actions, demands or suits arising from such use.