Barium swallows are performed as part of a gastrointestinal tract examination, like the Upper GI Series. The patient drinks a "shake" with barium in it. Using x-rays, the radiologist then tracks the barium as it flows through the esophagus, stomach and intestines.
The test is used to:
evaluate the possible causes of heartburn, such as hiatal hernia
detect ulcers or tumors
detect narrow places in the intestinal tract, known as strictures
determine the cause of swallowing difficulties, vomiting or abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, chronic diarrhea or constipation, unexplained weight loss or bloating
Barium swallows, and the associated procedures, are generally performed as an outpatient procedure. The barium swallow with Upper GI Series should take under an hour; if you are having a small bowel follow-through, it can take up to six hours, so you may want to bring a book.
Barium can also be taken in enema form to examine the bowels and small intestine.
Pregnant women should avoid this procedure.
Detailed Information:
Before the test
Before the procedure, you may be asked to:
eat a low-fiber diet for 2-3 days
stop eating for 12 hours before the test
stop taking certain medications
take a laxative to empty your stomach and intestines the night before the test
During the test
You may be instructed to stand behind a machine called a fluoroscope, or you may be strapped to a table. Over the course of the examination, the radiologist will instruct you to change positions, or he will tilt the table at different angles.
After a preliminary x-ray, you will drink the barium swallow—a thick, chalky liquid that, despite its chocolate or strawberry flavoring, is probably not a drink you would order with dinner. Then you will swallow baking soda crystals. This creates gas that helps the radiologist perform the examination, try not to belch.
After the test
For 1-3 days after the test, your feces should be whitish from the barium. If your feces do not have a whitish substance in them, it may mean that the barium has stayed in your intestine. Inform your doctor if this happens, as the barium can harden and cause an obstruction.
You will want to drink a lot of fluids, eat high fiber foods and possibly take a laxative to expel the barium from your body as quickly as possible.
Last updated: 01-Apr-03
