This study is performed by a speech therapist along with the radiologist. The study evaluates the throat for swallowing problems.

Preparation for the Exam

1. Nothing to eat or drink (except medications with a small amount of water) on the following schedule, depending on the child's age:
   • 0 to 2 months: nothing by mouth two hours prior to exam
   • 3 to 11 months: nothing by mouth three hours prior to exam
   • 1 to 4 years: nothing by mouth four hours prior to exam
   • 5 to 18 years: nothing by mouth eight hours prior to exam
2. Bring a bottle if your child is bottle feeding or a sippy cup if he or she uses one.
3. If the upper GI is through a G-tube or J-tube, bring a feeding tube attachment. No tube feedings based on above schedule.

During the Exam
Parents are usually allowed to stay in the X-ray room during the test. A pediatric technologist will discuss the procedure with children who are old enough to communicate. Age-appropriate language will be used to explain the exam.

In most cases, your child will be changed into a gown. While your child is sitting in front of the fluoroscopy table, the speech therapist will feed him or her different liquids and foods that have barium mixed in with them. X-ray video images are then taken while your child swallows. Different swallowing maneuvers may be tried.

The radiologist and speech therapist later review the study. This study usually takes about 30 minutes.

After the Exam
Your child's stool may appear to be whitish in color for 48 hours to a week due to the barium. This is not cause for concern. Encouraging your child to drink fluids after the exam will allow his stool to return to normal within a short time.