A modified barium swallow test is a methodology used to diagnose swallowing disorders (i.e., dysphagia). During this test, the patient eats food containing barium, which can be tracked through X-rays to identify abnormalities in the swallowing process, thereby visualizing how swallow muscles move and coordinate. The modified barium swallow test can result very useful to recognize difficulties with swallowing and aspiration, and thus modify the patient's diet (if necessary), determine swallowing therapies, alternative routes for nutrition delivery, etc.
