What is a barium meal(Barium Swallow)?
The Barium swallow, also known as the
Esophagogram, is a diagnostic test used to diagnose gastrointestinal issues. Your upper gastrointestinal tract includes the mouth, back of the throat, esophagus, stomach, and first part of the intestine. This test uses a special type of X-ray called fluoroscopy. The feeling of seeing the internal organs move over time.
This test also involves drinking a chalk-flavored liquid containing barium. Barium is a substance that makes certain parts of your body look better on X-rays.
Other names: esophagogram, esophagogram, upper GI series, swallowing studies
What is it used for Barium Swallow?
Barium Swallow is used to help diagnose diseases of the throat, esophagus, stomach, and first part of the intestine. These include:
Ulcers
Hiatal hernia, a condition in which part of the stomach pushes against the diaphragm.
The diaphragm is a muscle located between the abdomen and the chest.
GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), a condition in which stomach contents leak back into the esophagus
Gastrointestinal problems such as polyps (abnormal growths) and diverticulum (sacks that go into the stomach wall)
Tumor
Why are they needed? barium meal?
You may need this test if you have symptoms of gastrointestinal disease. These are:
Difficulty in swallowing
Abdominal pain
Vomiting
Bloating
What happens when you swallow barium?
A barium meal is usually done by a radiologist or radiographer.
You will stand, sit, or lie down on the X-ray table. You may be asked to change positions during the exam.
You will swallow water containing barium. The drink is thick and chalky. It is often sweetened with chocolate or berries to make it easier to swallow.
As you swallow, the radiologist watches the barium move down your throat and into your upper GI tract.
may ask you to hold your hand.
The image will be saved for later viewing.
Is there anything I need to do to prepare for the exam?
You may be asked to fast (not eat or drink) after midnight the night before the test.
Are there any risks in the test Barium Swallow?
You should not have this test if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant. Radiation can harm the unborn child.
For others, the risk of this test is low. The radiation dose is very low and is considered harmless for most people.
However, talk to your doctor about X-rays you’ve had in the past. The risk of radiation exposure may be related to the X-ray treatments you have had over time.
What does the result mean Barium Swallow?
A normal result means that there are no abnormalities in size, shape, or movement in your throat, esophagus, stomach, or first part of your intestine.
If your results are abnormal, it may mean you have one of the following conditions:
Hiatal Hernia
Ulcer
Tumor
Polyp
Diverticulum, a condition that forms small pouches in the intestinal lining,
esophageal difficulty, 44 If you have questions, talk to your doctor about the results.
Anything else I should know about barium food?
Your results may also show signs of cancer. If your doctor thinks you may have colon cancer, they may perform a procedure called an esophagoscopy. During esophagoscopy, a thin, flexible tube is inserted through the mouth or nose into the esophagus. The tube has a video camera so doctors can see the area.
