Barium Swallow
(Upper Gastrointestinal Series or "Upper
GI Series")
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What is the
test?
A barium swallow, or upper GI series, is an
x-ray test used to examine the upper digestive
tract (the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine).
Because these organs are normally not visible
on x-rays, you need to swallow barium, a liquid
that does show up on x-rays. The barium temporarily
coats the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and
intestine, making the outline of these organs
visible on the xray pictures. This test is useful
for diagnosing cancers, ulcers, problems that
cause narrowing of the esophagus, some causes
of inflammation in the intestine, and some swallowing
problems.
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How
do I prepare for the test?
Tell your doctor and the x-ray technicians if
there is any chance you could be pregnant. If
you have diabetes and take insulin, discuss this
with your doctor before the test.
Stop eating and drinking the night before your
test. This is important because food in your
stomach or intestine could prevent the doctors
from seeing a clear outline of these structures
on the x-rays. Usually it isn't a problem for
you to take your regular pills, but you should
check with your doctor.
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What
happens when the test is performed?
You wear a hospital gown for the test. At the
start of the test, you drink barium, a liquid
that looks like a milkshake but does not taste
nearly as good (most patients say it tastes like
chalk). You might also be asked to swallow some
tablets that "fizz," causing air-bubbles to be
released in your stomach. This might make you
feel like burping, but try not to. You will get
better pictures if you can keep yourself from
burping.
The x-ray technician may ask you to stand or
lie in different positions over the next few
minutes, to help spread around the liquid you
have swallowed. Most often, the x-ray pictures
are taken while you lie on your back on a table.
The x-ray machine or the table is moved a few
times so it can take pictures of all of the internal
structures. You are asked to hold your breath
for each picture so that your breathing movement
does not blur the image.
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What
risks are there from the test?
There are no significant risks. You are exposed
to a small amount of radiation during the test,
but the amount of radiation is too small to be
likely to cause any health problems.
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Must
I do anything special after the test is over?
After the test, you can eat normally and do your
normal activities. You should drink more water
than usual to help clear out the barium and to
prevent constipation, which might be a side effect
of the test. Your stool may appear light in color
for a couple of days.
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How
long is it before the result of the test is
known?
It takes the x-ray department 30 minutes to
an hour to develop the pictures from your barium
swallow, and it will take additional time for
a doctor to examine the x-rays and to decide
how they look. Typically you can get the results
within a day or two.
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