Chalasia Scan

A chalasia scan is done to find out why your child is throwing up (vomiting) or spitting up food. The scan shows if the muscles of the esophagus and stomach are working like they should.

When to Stop Eating and Drinking

Your child needs to stop eating and drinking this many hours before their scan:

  • 0 to 2 years – 4 hours
  • 3 to 5 years – 6 hours
  • 6 years and up – 8 hours

What to Bring

  • For babies, bring a bottle of their formula or human milk. Keep human milk cold until the scan.
  • For older children, they will be given 2 cooked scrambled eggs, 2 pieces of toast with jelly, and 8 ounces of water. If your child is allergic to eggs, bring 8 ounces of Ensure® Plus.

How the Scan Is Done

  • You may be asked to help feed your child.
  • Your child will have a feeding tube placed in their stomach for a short time if:
    • They’re a patient in the hospital and under 3 years old.
    • They’re outpatient and not able to drink formula or milk.
  • Your child will be placed on a long table with a camera over it. If they’re small or have a hard time staying still, they may be placed on a papoose board.
  • A small amount of radioactive material will be added to the milk. Your child will be given milk by mouth or through the feeding tube. After this, the feeding tube will be removed.
  • Talk with the technologist if you have any concerns about what your child can eat or drink. Tell them if your child can’t tolerate or is allergic to certain foods.
  • The scan takes about 4 hours.

After the Scan

  • Your child may have their usual foods.
  • Your child’s doctor or health care provider will tell you the results of the test and the plan of care.

 

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Helping Hands™ Patient Education Materials

Helping Hands™ are easy-to-read guides about different illnesses, therapies, surgeries, and more. They’re created by the Patient Education team at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and are reviewed and approved by clinical staff, like nurses, doctors, pharmacists, and psychologists. Nationwide Children's Hospital is not responsible for misuse of information in patient education materials, including Helping Hands.

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