Barium Swallow Test

[funinthesun19]

I went to see ENT today because I’ve been having problems with my throat. Hoarse voice, feeling like there is something squeezing my throat, coughing, waking up choking during the night sometimes.
The consultant put a camera down my nose to look at my throat, and he said my voice box is dry and inflamed a bit. He said it looks like I have silent reflux. He didn’t see any suspicious growths in my throat which I was obviously happy about.

He’s referred me for a barium swallow test. What does this test look for? Is it to check if I have any signs of cancer further down eg in my oesophagus/stomach which might be causing the reflux?

I had the same symptoms last year and also had camera down my nose/ throat and barium swallow. It is looking for structural changes (could be cancer) but also reflux (mine showed reflux). I think if they were very suspicious of cancer you’d be referred for an endoscopy.

Hi, thank you for your reply.
I had the test done on Friday, so just waiting for the results from it.
What did they do for you next when it showed reflux? Did they do any further investigations?

I did not have any follow up tests - I was prescribed omeprazole and gaviscon advance and changes to diet. This did work but took about 9 months and now I have come off the omeprazole but still take the gaviscon if I recognise the signs. Good luck with your results.