What Is a FEES Test? How It Helps With Swallowing Problems
Sometimes people have trouble swallowing their food or drinks. The medical word for this is dysphagia (say: dis-FAY-juh). It can happen to kids or grown-ups. Health problems like Parkinson's disease, a stroke, or cancer treatment can all make swallowing harder. The good news is that a simple test called a FEES test can help find the problem and keep you safe.
In this article, we will explain what a FEES test is, what happens during one, and why it matters.
What Happens When We Swallow
When we swallow, a lot happens inside our body to send food safely to the stomach. The tongue pushes food to the back of the mouth. A small flap called the epiglottis closes over the airway so food does not go the wrong way. Then the food slides down a tube called the esophagus and into the stomach.
But if something goes wrong, food or drink can slip into the lungs instead. This is called aspiration, and it can make a person very sick. It can lead to aspiration pneumonia, which is a serious lung infection. Some people may need medicine or extra help breathing if this happens.
Signs of a Swallowing Problem
Here are some signs to watch for:
Coughing or choking while eating
Feeling like food is stuck in the throat
A wet or gurgly voice after eating
Taking a long time to chew
Drooling more than usual
Losing weight without trying
Avoiding certain foods
If you notice these signs in yourself or someone you love, talk to a speech pathologist. This is a trained professional who helps people with talking, eating, and swallowing.
What Is a FEES Test?
So what is a FEES test, exactly? FEES (say: feez) stands for Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing. You may also see the FEES medical abbreviation written as F.E.E.S. It is a safe, simple swallow test that lets a speech pathologist watch your throat while you eat and drink.
The FEES medical term may sound complicated, but the test itself is quick and gentle. Here is what happens during a FEES study:
You sit comfortably in a chair.
A very thin, soft camera goes gently into your nose.
The camera looks down into your throat while you eat and drink small amounts.
The speech pathologist watches your throat muscles work in real time and in full color.
A FEES swallow test is fast, safe, and uses no X-rays at all. It can even be done right at the bedside if a person is too sick to travel to a testing room. It also lets the speech pathologist see if the throat tissue looks red, swollen, or tired after many swallows.
What Is an MBS Test?
There is another swallow test called the MBS, or Modified Barium Swallow. During this test:
You go to a hospital or clinic.
You drink a special white liquid called barium.
An X-ray machine watches the liquid move through your throat in black and white.
The MBS does use a small amount of radiation. But it gives doctors a wider side view, so they can see more of the whole swallowing path.
FEES Test vs. MBS Test: Which Is Better?
Both tests are helpful in different ways. A FEES evaluation gives a close-up, colorful view of the throat and shows exactly how the muscles move in real time. The MBS gives a bigger-picture view using X-rays. Many doctors use both tests together to fully understand a swallowing problem and decide on the best plan to help.
There is no single "better" choice. The right test depends on the person, their health, and what the care team needs to see.
Why a FEES Test Matters
Swallowing problems can get worse quickly if they are not treated. A FEES test for dysphagia is often the first step to getting answers. It helps the care team see the problem clearly so they can build a plan to keep you eating and drinking safely.
A speech pathologist may use what they learn from the test to suggest safer foods, special drinks, or exercises to make swallowing stronger. The goal is always to help you stay healthy and enjoy your meals again.
Do Not Wait if Swallowing Feels Off
If you are coughing while you eat, feel like food is stuck, or keep choking on drinks, do not wait. Talk to a speech pathologist right away. A quick and gentle FEES test could be the first step toward feeling better and staying safe.
Get Help With Swallowing Today
Worried that you or a loved one may have a swallowing problem? You do not have to figure it out alone. At Speech Therapy For All, our caring speech-language pathologists can answer your questions, perform a FEES test when needed, and create a plan built around your needs. With locations across Long Island and Brooklyn, plus flexible hours, getting started is easy.
