Barium Swallow Test? Is it reliable?

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SureBett

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I had the barium swallow test last week to test for reflux based on a lot of asthma like symptoms that have come up in the last two years, usually around the summer...I have a trigger of cold AC air, that will cause me to feel as if I am losing my breath...

I also have gotten up several mornings and had feelings like an asthma attack..i was test for that too, with mild symptoms of twitchy lungs when irritated....


the doctor who did the barium swallow said he saw no reflux....they did the test in the a.m. with nothing eaten or drank since the following night....
My stomach acidic problems seems to be after I have eaten..

My question: Is this Barium test conclusive? How many of you have had it only to be told you did not have relux, however you did? thanks for any help
 
I've had Barium Swallows a couple times. My GI doc and Pulmonologist prescribed them in conjunction with the pH testing and Manometry. Based on that, I'd say that it can indicate reflux, but isn't necessarily totally reliable alone.

If you are dealing with LPR, a dual probe pH test is more of the gold standard for measurement of reflux in the throat.

I had reflux aggrevating my asthma to no end. My Pulmonologist had me do a Modified Barium Swallow and Esophagram. There was a speech therapist who watched my chewing and swallowing of Barium and to see if I was aspirating acid at all when I ate.

In my case, I found I had "silent" reflux and environmental things triggering my asthma.

Good luck in your search for answers.
 
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