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Esophogram

What is an Esophogram?

An Esophagram is an X-ray done under fluoroscopy that takes pictures of the esophagus which connects the throat to the stomach, and carries food and drinks from the mouth to the stomach. This x-ray shows how well the esophagus is working and is looking to see the direction in which the food travels as its being swallowed.

  • The test does not hurt!
  • Your child will be asked to lay down on the table while drinking a liquid called “Barium” which acts as a highlighter to show details of the esophagus and the direction the food goes when your child eats.
  • Many children say that the Barium looks like a milkshake and enjoy when the technologists mix it with another flavor to help make it taste better.
  • The test takes about 15-30 minutes to complete depending on how your child cooperates.

Preparing your Child for an Esophogram

  • Take note that your child should not eat or drink anything before the exam.
  • A staff member will call you ahead of time to provide you with the proper instructions to follow for the day of the exam.

What to Expect the Day of the Exam

Step 1: Getting Ready

  • From the waiting room a staff member of the Radiology department will bring you to the X-ray room in the Fluoroscopy area of Radiology. 
  • In the room you will see a camera attached to a long table with a video screen behind it.
  • Your child will be asked to change into a hospital gown and lay down on the table.

Radiology

The Radiology facilities at Nicklaus Children’s are specifically designed for the comfort and diagnosis of infants, children and adolescents.

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Feeding Disorders or Difficulties

The terms feeding disorders or feeding difficulties are frequently used to refer to infants and children who have problems with eating enough and/or an appropriate variety of foods.

Esophageal Dilatation

If a patient’s esophagus is too narrow, esophageal dilatation is a procedure that can be used to stretch and open it up. This is often used if swallowing food or liquid proves to be difficult.

Barium Swallow (Modified)

A modified barium swallow is type of X-ray done under Fluoroscopy with collaboration of a Speech Pathologist The purpose of the study is to take pictures of the throat, such as the trachea and windpipe, to see how your child swallows.

VFSS (Videofluoroscopy Swallow Study)

A VFSS is a test to look at how your child swallows foods and liquids. We make an X-ray “movie” of your child’s mouth and throat while her or she is drinking and eating.