Your doctor will use one of several methods to examine and evaluate your swallowing problem. Specific methods used are customized to the needs of each patient.

Barium Swallow
X-ray is taken of the mouth, neck, and chest as the patient swallows barium. Demonstrates abnormalities in the swallowing mechanism or digestive tract.

Esophageal Manometry
Placement of a thin catheter into the esophagus to measure movement as the patient swallows.

Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES)
Passage of a flexible fiberoptic endoscope into the throat in order to visualize the actual swallow in progress.

pH Testing
Designed to evaluate patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease and laryngopharyngeal reflux disease. Monitors acid exposure within the esophagus and voice box.

Transnasal Esophagoscopy
Insertion of an ultra-thin endoscope through the nose to the stomach. A brief procedure that does not require sedation.

Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study (VFSS)
X-ray is taken of the mouth, neck, and chest as the patient swallows barium of varying consistencies. Assesses the swallowing mechanism.