Barium Swallow

Contents:

• Medical Video: Your Radiologist Explains: Upper Gastrointestinal (GI) Examination
  
• What is barium swallow?
  
• When do I have to undergo barium swallow?
  
• What should I know before undergoing barium swallow?
  
• What should I do before undergoing barium swallow?
  
• What is the process of barium swallow?
  
• What should I do after undergoing a barium swallow?
  
• What do the test results mean?
  

Medical Video: Your Radiologist Explains: Upper Gastrointestinal (GI) Examination

Definition

What is barium swallow?

Upper Gastrointestinal test series (UGI) or also called barium swallow is a radiographic (X-ray) examination of the upper digestive tract. The esophagus, stomach and duodenum (the first part of the intestine) are seen using X-ray films with liquid suspension. This liquid suspension can be either a barium or a water-soluble contrast liquid. If only the pharynx (the back of the mouth and throat) and the esophagus (muscular hollow channel from the bottom of the tongue to the stomach) are examined by barium, this procedure is called barium swallow.

X-ray rays use electromagnetic light to produce images of internal tissue, bones and organs in the film. X-rays are made using external radiation to produce images of the body, organs and internal structures for diagnostic purposes. X-rays penetrate the body through body tissues until special plates (similar to camera films) and negatives are produced.

When do I have to undergo barium swallow?

Upper gastrointestinal (UGI) is performed for:

• see the causes of symptoms of digestive diseases, such as difficulty swallowing, vomiting, belching, abdominal pain (pain in the stomach) or indigestion
• see a narrowing of the upper digestive tract, ulcers, tumors, polyps, or pyloric stenosis
• see inflammation of the intestine, malabsorption syndrome, or abnormalities in squeezing movements to move food to the intestine (motility abnormalities)
• see the swallowed object

In general, the UGI series is not necessary if you do not experience symptoms of digestive problems. The UGI series is conducted on people who have:

• difficulty swallowing
• possibility of constipation
• abdominal pain that comes and goes away when eating
• severe or frequent heartburn

Prevention & warning

What should I know before undergoing barium swallow?

Upper endoscopy is done instead of the UGI test in certain cases. Endoscopy uses a thin and flexible tube (endoscope) to see the lining of the esophagus, stomach and upper small intestine (duodenum).

UGI series test series:

• may not show irritation to the lining of the stomach (gastritis) or esophagus (esophagitis) or ulcers that have a diameter of less than 0.25 inch (6 mm)
• cannot show Helicobacter pylori bacterial infection, which may be the cause of gastric ulcers

A biopsy cannot be done during the UGI if a problem is found.

Process

What should I do before undergoing barium swallow?

You may be advised to change your food for 2 or 3 days before the test. Usually, you will be prohibited from eating for a few moments before undergoing a test.

Make sure you consult your doctor if you plan to replace your medication. Usually, you are allowed to take oral medication. Avoid changing drugs without consulting your doctor first.

You will be asked to remove jewelry on the neck, chest, or abdomen before the test begins.

What is the process of barium swallow?

X-rays will be done before you drink a barium solution. Then you will be asked to swallow little by little the solution, which the radiologist will instruct. At the end of the test, you can swallow 1 cup (240 mL) to 2.5 cups (600 mL) of barium solution.

Radiologists will see the barium through your digestive tract using fluoroscopy and X-rays. The table will be tilted in different positions and you may be asked to change positions to spread barium. You will be given light pressure on the abdomen with a belt or radiologist's hand. You will also be asked to cough, to make it easier for the radiologist to see changes in the flow of barium.

If you also do a small intestine examination, the radiologist will see the barium transfer from the small intestine to the large intestine. X-ray images are taken every 30 minutes.

The UGI series test lasts 30 to 40 minutes. The UGI series with a small intestine examination lasts for 2 to 6 hours. In certain cases, you will be asked to come back after 24 hours to return to X-ray.

What should I do after undergoing a barium swallow?

After undergoing the UGI series, you are allowed to eat and drink as usual, unless there is a prohibition from the doctor.

You may be given a laxative or enema to remove the barium in the intestine and avoid constipation. Drink plenty of water for several days to remove the barium from your body.

Explanation of Test Results

What do the test results mean?

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