BARIUM SWALLOW TEST UPPER GI TRACT STUDY (BARIUM SWALLOW)

  

A barium swallow is a test that shows the inside of your food pipe (esophagus). Doctors can use it to help diagnose oesophageal cancer.
You drink white barium liquid, which shows up on x-rays. Your doctor (radiologist) or radiographer then takes x-rays while you swallow the liquid. This test can show any growth or abnormal-looking areas.

What happens?
You have a barium swallow as an outpatient in the radiology (x-ray) department. It takes 10 to 15 minutes.
A radiographer or an assistant takes you to a cubicle to change out of your clothes and put on a gown.
Once you’re in the x-ray room, you stand in front of the x-ray camera. You drink some white barium liquid. This is sometimes fruit flavored but can taste chalky.
Your radiologist or radiographer takes a series of x-rays as the barium passes down your throat and into your stomach. They might take some x-rays with you lying down.


Preparing for your barium swallow
You can’t eat for 4 to 6 hours before the test. You might be able to drink water up to 2 hours before. The hospital gives you written instructions about this beforehand.
Talk to your doctor if not eating could be a problem for you, for example, if you have diabetes.
Contact your hospital before your appointment if you are pregnant or think you might be.
IN SOme cases, a person will be given an injection to relax their stomach.
A person will be standing for some parts of the examination and lying down on a tilting table for other parts. This allows the liquid to travel through the body, and for the radiologist and radiographer to take a selection of images.
People do not have to stay in the hospital after the test and are free to go home as soon as it is complete. The results usually arrive within 1-2 weeks.

Special considerations

 	
People should not have a barium swallow test if they are pregnant.
 	
If someone has glaucoma or heart problems and needs to have a barium swallow, the doctor may not give the stomach-relaxing injection.
 	
If someone has diabetes then the doctor will schedule a morning appointment for the barium swallow.
 	
If the person takes tablets to control their diabetes, the doctor will tell them not to take the medicine before the test. Instead, they should bring their tablets and some food to the exam to have after it is complete.
 	
People who use insulin will be asked to miss their morning dose and maybe the previous evening’s dose. They should bring their insulin and some food to have after the test. However, those who take long-acting insulin should continue taking this.

Tips

 	
Wear loose-fitting clothing that’s easy to remove and put back on.
 	
Remove all jewelry at home before you go in for your procedure.
 	
Be sure to eat and drink enough the night before your procedure before starting your fast at midnight. It may help to schedule your barium swallow for first thing in the morning so you don’t have to avoid food or drink for too long.
 	
Be prepared for the barium to taste unpleasant.
 	
Bring something to eat and drink after your procedure. Foods that are high in fiber — including fruits like apples, bananas, and raspberries — can help prevent constipation as well as get rid of the taste.
 	
Make sure you drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day after your procedure.

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