A videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) is a swallowing x-ray to see what happens when you swallow a food or liquid. It uses a type of x-ray called fluoroscopy. This test will help to see:
- how your mouth, pharynx (throat), and esophagus (food pipe) work while you’re swallowing
- if there’s a swallowing problem
- what might help to make swallowing better
Barium is used during this test. Barium is a chalky-tasting material. It’s mixed with food or liquid for swallowing tests. When you swallow the food or liquid mixed with barium, it can be seen on the x-rays.
Before you have any type of swallow test with barium, tell your healthcare provider if you:
- have an allergy to barium
- are pregnant or think you might be pregnant
- are breastfeeding
- have been sick
If you need x-rays and you’re pregnant, your healthcare providers will take extra precautions to protect your baby.
For information about this test for children, visit
Pediatric Eating and Swallowing (PEAS).
About VFSS
A VFSS takes pictures of your mouth, throat, and sometimes your esophagus. It’s done while you swallow food, liquids, and medicine. A placebo, not real medicine, is used.
This test may be done by a speech-language pathologist, an occupational therapist, with a radiologist, or a radiology technologist.
A VFSS takes about 10 to 15 minutes, although your appointment may be longer so you can speak with the team before and after the VFSS.
Why it is done
A VFSS is done to check for swallowing problems. It will help your healthcare provider recommend ways to manage and treat any problems.
If you have a problem with your mouth or throat, or other problems with feeding and swallowing, you may have symptoms like:
- coughing or choking when you eat or drink
- a wet-sounding voice
- breathing changes when you eat or drink
- lots of chest infections
How to prepare
In general, there is no special preparation needed before the test.
If you use dentures, glasses, hearing aids, or a communication device, bring them to your appointment.
Before your appointment, tell your healthcare provider about any allergies you have and any foods you cannot eat for any reason (for example, cultural reasons).
If your healthcare provider tells you not to eat or drink anything before the test, follow their instructions.
Before the test
Remove any clothing or jewelry from your neck area, like a scarf, necklace, or earrings.
During the test
To start this test, you'll likely sit as you normally do to eat or drink.
You’ll be asked to eat and drink small amounts of food and liquid, which are mixed with barium. You may also need to swallow a barium pill.
You may be asked to eat and drink in different positions during the test.
After the test
When the test is done, you can do your regular activities, unless your healthcare provider gives you different instructions.
Your healthcare provider may provide recommendations on what you can eat or drink.
Risks
Like any x-ray procedure, this test involves a small amount of radiation. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have concerns.
You will get small amounts of liquid and food to lower the risk of anything getting into your airway during the test. You can stop the test at any time if you're having problems. It’s not harmful if barium gets into your lungs.
Questions
If you have any questions before or after your appointment, contact your healthcare provider.
