This overview is a sample of the type of information available to you at Griffin Hospital's Community Health Resource Center. It is not intended to replace your physician's instructions in the management of your health problems, but to better inform you about a particular illness and alert you to the availability of other materials. If you have a question about any piece of information presented in theses fact sheets, please call your physician, or stop by the Community Health Resource Center at your convenience.

BARIUM SWALLOW

(Upper GI Series, Barium x-rays)

A barium swallow is an x-ray of your upper gastrointestinal tract, which may include the esophagus, stomach, duodenum, and small intestine. Since these organs cannot be clearly seen with a regular x-ray, you will be asked to drink barium, a radio-opaque contrast solution. Barium is a thick, dense liquid that will pass through your digestive tract, coating the inner lining. These organs will then be clearly outlined when they appear on the x-rays.

A barium swallow may be used to help your doctor diagnose abnormalities of the upper intestinal tract such as ulcers, tumors, hiatal hernias, or narrowing of the esophagus.

You will be asked not to eat or drink anything after midnight on the night before the test. You may be given a laxative to help empty your small bowel. It is very important that your upper digestive tract is clear of food when this test is performed so your organs can be clearly seen. On the morning of the test, you can brush your teeth, but be very careful not to swallow any water. Jewelry should be removed from around your neck before the test. Women who are pregnant should inform their doctors before this test is done since x-rays can be harmful to unborn babies.

The barium swallow will be performed in the radiology department by a radiologist. You will be asked to stand against an upright x-ray table in front of a fluoroscope, which takes a moving picture. You will then be asked to swallow some of the barium, which will be flavored to taste like a milkshake. Because the barium is very heavy, it can sometimes cause abdominal discomfort.

Using the fluoroscope, the radiologist will watch the barium flow through your digestive tract. The x-ray table may be tilted to help outline the organs more clearly. You may also be asked to drink more barium from time to time during the procedure. As the barium passes through, x-rays are taken which can be examined later by the doctor.

The barium swallow usually takes 25-45 minutes, but can take as long as four hours depending on how much of your digestive tract is being examined. After the test, the radiologist will evaluate the x-rays and send a written report to your doctor, which will be included in your chart.

You will be able to eat and drink as soon as the test is completed. Since barium can be very constipating, you may want to ask your nurse for a mild laxative. Your stool will appear white or clay-colored for the next day or two as the barium passes out of your body.

Please note that this information is intended to give you a general overview of the topic. It is not intended to replace advice or instruction of a health professional. We recommend that you consult your physician, nurse, or qualified health professional regarding the information in this publication. © 1994 Planetree, Inc. Reproduction of this material in any form is limited to license agreement.

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