Barium Swallow

What’s a barium swallow?

A barium swallow is an imaging check that makes use of X-rays to take a look at your higher gastrointestinal (GI) tract above your abdomen. This contains the again of your mouth and throat (pharynx) and your esophagus.

You might have only a barium swallow. Or this check could also be carried out as a part of an higher GI collection. This collection appears to be like at your esophagus, abdomen, and the primary a part of the small gut (duodenum).

X-rays use a small quantity of exterior radiation to create photos of your physique, its organs, and different inner constructions. X-rays are most frequently used to search out bone or joint issues, or to examine the center and lungs. A barium swallow is one kind of X-ray.

Fluoroscopy is used throughout a barium swallow. Fluoroscopy is a particular type of X-ray “film” that reveals the organs in movement.

The check additionally makes use of barium. Barium is a substance that makes sure areas of the physique present up extra clearly on an X-ray. The radiologist will be capable of see the dimensions and form of the pharynx and esophagus. They will even be capable of see the way you swallow. These particulars cannot be seen on an ordinary X-ray. Barium is used just for imaging checks for the GI tract.

Why may I would like a barium swallow?

A barium swallow can assist your supplier discover the trigger for nausea and vomiting, ache in your stomach (stomach), unexplained weight reduction, or issues swallowing. It could be carried out to search for and diagnose issues within the pharynx and esophagus. Chances are you’ll want a barium swallow in case your healthcare supplier thinks that you’ve:

Most cancers of the pinnacle, neck, pharynx, or esophagus

Hiatal hernia. Which means your abdomen has moved up into or alongside the esophagus.

Structural issues, reminiscent of pouches (diverticula), narrowing (strictures), or growths (polyps)

Muscle problems, reminiscent of hassle swallowing (dysphagia) or spasms

Achalasia. It is a situation through which the decrease esophageal sphincter muscle would not loosen up and permit meals to cross into the abdomen.

GERD (gastroesophageal reflux illness)

Ulcers

Your healthcare supplier might produce other causes to advise a barium swallow. Discuss together with your healthcare supplier in regards to the cause in your check.

What are the dangers of a barium swallow?

Chances are you’ll wish to ask your healthcare supplier in regards to the quantity of radiation used in the course of the check. Additionally ask in regards to the dangers as they apply to you.

Contemplate writing down all X-rays you get, together with previous scans and X-rays for different well being causes. Present this listing to your supplier. The dangers of radiation publicity could also be tied to the variety of X-rays you’ve and the X-ray remedies you’ve over time.

Inform your supplier if:

You’re pregnant or suppose chances are you’ll be pregnant. Radiation publicity throughout being pregnant might result in delivery defects. You shouldn’t have this check in case you are pregnant.

You’re allergic to or delicate to medicines, distinction dyes, native anesthesia, iodine, or latex

You might have constipation or impacted stool after the check if all the barium doesn’t cross out of your physique.

You shouldn’t have a barium swallow in case you have:

A tear or gap in your esophagus or intestines (perforation)

Blockage in your intestines or extreme constipation

Extreme issues with swallowing. This makes it extra seemingly that barium would unintentionally go into your lungs (aspiration).

You might have different dangers relying in your particular well being situation. Be sure you discuss together with your healthcare supplier about any issues you’ve earlier than the process.

How do I prepare for a barium swallow?

Your healthcare supplier will clarify the process to you. Ask them any questions you’ve in regards to the process.

Chances are you’ll be requested to signal a consent type that provides permission to do the process. Learn the shape fastidiously and ask questions if something isn’t clear.

You’ll need to cease consuming and ingesting for about 8 hours earlier than the check. You also needs to keep away from chewing gum. Usually, this implies after midnight.

Inform your supplier in case you are pregnant or suppose chances are you’ll be pregnant.

Inform your supplier in case you are delicate or allergic to any medicines, latex, tape, or anesthetic medicines (native and common).

Inform your supplier in case you have had a latest barium swallow or higher GI check. This will make it more durable to get good X-rays of the decrease GI space.

Inform your supplier about all medicines you take. This contains prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, and natural dietary supplements. Chances are you’ll have to cease taking these earlier than the check.

Observe some other directions your supplier provides you to prepare.

What occurs throughout a barium swallow?

You might have a barium swallow as an outpatient or as a part of your keep in a hospital. The way in which the check is completed might differ relying in your situation and your healthcare supplier’s practices.

Usually, a barium swallow follows this course of:

You may be requested to take away any clothes, jewellery, or different objects that will get in the best way of the check.

Chances are you’ll be requested to take away clothes. In that case, you may be given a robe to put on.

You’ll stand and/or lie on an X-ray desk that may transfer you from a horizontal to an upright place. You may additionally be requested to vary positions in the course of the check. For instance, chances are you’ll have to lie in your aspect, again, or abdomen.

The radiologist might take X-rays of your chest and stomach (stomach) first.

The radiologist will ask you to take a swallow of a thick, chalky barium drink that resembles a shake. The barium could also be flavored like strawberry or chocolate, however it could not style superb. The barium coats the liner of your GI tract.

As you swallow the barium, the radiologist will take single photos, a collection of X-rays, or fluoroscopy to observe the barium transferring by your mouth and throat.

Chances are you’ll be requested to carry your breath at sure instances in the course of the check.

The radiologist will use X-rays or fluoroscopy to observe the barium go down your esophagus after which by the remainder of your GI tract. You may additionally be requested to swallow a barium pill. It is a small capsule that may assist to indicate sure issues within the esophagus.

As soon as the radiologist has taken all the X-rays, you may be helped from the desk.

What occurs after a barium swallow?

Chances are you’ll return to your regular weight loss program and actions after a barium swallow, until your healthcare supplier tells you in any other case.

Barium might trigger constipation or impacted stool after the process if it is not utterly cleared out of your physique. Chances are you’ll be advised to drink loads of fluids and eat meals excessive in fiber to assist the remainder of the barium go away your physique. You may additionally be given a laxative to assist with this.

Your bowel actions could also be white or lighter in coloration till all of the barium has left your physique.

Name your healthcare supplier immediately if any of those occur:

Your healthcare supplier might offer you different directions, relying in your scenario.

Subsequent steps

Earlier than you comply with the check or the process, be sure you know:

The title of the check or process

The explanation you might be having the check or process

What outcomes to count on and what they imply

The dangers and advantages of the check or process

What the doable unwanted side effects or problems are

When and the place you might be to have the check or process

Who will do the check or process and what that particular person’s {qualifications} are

What would occur in the event you didn’t have the check or process

Any various checks or procedures to consider

When and the way you’ll get the outcomes

Who to name after the check or process in case you have questions or issues

How a lot you’ll have to pay for the check or process