Videofluoroscopy ( modified barium swallow) If a perforation is suspected, gastrografin, a water-soluble contrast agent should be used in place of barium to avoid complications such as mediastinitis, peritonitis, or pneumonia.Barium appears white on x-ray soft tissues appear gray.Barium solution coats the inner lining of the esophagus, showing the size and shape of the esophagus, as well as contractions and peristaltic waves.Patient swallows solution containing barium sulfa te ( radiopaque heavy metal), followed by single static image.Once the barium has passed from the body, your bowel function should return to normal.Esophagram via barium or gastrografin swallow You may experience constipation or notice that your bowel movements are lighter. You will go home after a barium swallow and can return to your normal activities right away. In many cases, a barium swallow accompanies an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) or as a part of an upper GI and small bowel testing. During this procedure, a fluoroscopy (a continuous x-ray beam) is used during a barium swallow to evaluate movement through your GI tract. Using barium, your doctor will be able to evaluate the size and shape of the pharynx and esophagus.Ī barium swallow can be done as a standalone procedure or as a part of an upper GI series of tests that evaluate the entire upper GI tract. Once the first set of x-rays has been taken, your technician will give you another, thinner barium drink and will take x-rays as the barium moves through the esophagus.īarium is a chalky white substance that is used in the GI tract to help it show up on x-ray. In preparation for the procedure, your technician will position you on the x-ray table, give you a barium drink and take a series of x-rays as the barium travels through the pharynx. The entire procedure takes approximately 30 minutes, and you should have results within a few days. What to expect during a barium swallowĪ barium swallow is performed in radiology by a radiology tech. Exposure to radiation during pregnancy can cause birth defects in unborn fetuses. If you are pregnant or suspect you are pregnant, tell your doctor. The risks associated with radiation exposure increase as you have more x-ray exams. There are also side effects associated with the radiation that is used in the test. If that doesn’t work, your doctor can prescribe a laxative. If you experience constipation or fecal impaction, drink plenty of fluids and eat high-fiber foods to move the barium through the digestive tract. Some people experience constipation or fecal impaction if the barium is not completely expelled from the body after the procedure. What are the side effects associated with a barium swallow Problems swallowing that could accidentally allow barium to go into the lungs.Tear or hole in the esophagus or intestines.You may not be able to have a barium swallow if you have any of the following conditions: Achalasia -medical condition where the lower esophageal sphincter won't relax to allow food into the stomach.Structural conditions - conditions such as strictures (narrowing), polyps (growths), diverticula (pouches).Benign or malignant tumors (non-cancerous and cancerous) in the head, neck, pharynx and esophagus.Inflammation or blockages in the upper gastrointestinal tract.Hiatal hernia - where your stomach has moved up into or beside the esophagus.A barium swallow may be able to help diagnose conditions such as:
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