Tests & Procedures
Once your Pint-Sized Powerhouse is dianogsed with severe LM, TM and/or BM, you may be thrown into a world of testing and procedures you had no idea existed. Do not stress, CWL has compiled a list of common tests and procedures to help you learn more.
Laryngoscopy
Also known as an "in-office scope" this medical procedure is used to obtain a view of the vocal folds and the glottis. The ENT will numb the child's nose then push the scope up the nose and down the throat. He will be able to see the LM and GERD (reflux), making it very easy to create a proper treatment plan. The whole procedure takes less than 5 minutes with no lasting effects on the child.This is the ONLY way to properly diagnose LM.
Bronchoscopy
Also known as a "Bronch," is a technique of visualizing the inside of the airways for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. An instrument (bronchoscope) is inserted into the airways, usually through the nose or mouth, or occasionally through a tracheostomy. This allows the ENT to see if the child has TM, BM or any other conditions that would be pressing on the airway. Specimens may be taken from inside the lungs. The construction of bronchoscopes ranges from rigid metal tubes with attached lighting devices to flexible optical fiber instruments with real-time video equipment. This procedure is done in the OR under general anesthesia.
Barium Swallow Study
Also known as a "Swallow Study," is a test that may be used to determine if the child is aspirating into his/her lungs (a common symptom for severe LM, TM, BM babies). Barium sulfate is a metallic compound that shows up on x-ray. The parent will feed a bottle of barium to the baby while he/she is having the x-ray. The test is usually quick and painless, most parents have results the same day.
Tracheostomy
Also known as a "Trach," is a surgical procedure to create an opening through the neck into the trachea (windpipe). A tube is usually placed through this opening to provide an airway and to remove secretions from the lungs. This tube is called a tracheostomy tube or trach tube. Less than 1% of babies with LM, TM and/or BM will need a Trach.
Sleep Study
Is a test that records a variety of body functions during sleep, such as the electrical activity of the brain, eye movement, muscle activity, heart rate, respiratory effort, air flow, and blood oxygen levels. These tests are used both to diagnose sleep apnea and to determine its severity. This test can be done in the hospital or in a sleep lab as an outpatient.
Ph Probe
The 24-hour pH probe study is a test that uses a thin probe or tube placed in the esophagus or food pipe that connects the mouth to the stomach to help the doctor diagnose and treat acid reflux. Placement of the probe takes only about 10 minutes, but readings are taken over a 24-hour period. For this reason, an overnight hospital stay is required.
Endoscopy
Also known as a "Upper GI," an upper endoscopy is a procedure used to visually examine the upper digestive system with a tiny camera on the end of a long, flexible tube. A Gastroenterologist uses endoscopy to diagnose and, sometimes, treat conditions that affect the esophagus, stomach and beginning of the small intestine. The main reason for LM, TM, BM babies to have an Upper GI done is GERD (reflux) problems. Most endoscopy's are preformed in the hospital.
The provided list is for advice only.
Should you have any concerns about your child's testing or upcoming procedure please contact his/her doctor immediately.