Barium swallow test (cine esophageal, gulping review, esophagography, altered barium swallow review, video fluoroscopy swallow review) is an extraordinary type of imaging test that utilizes barium and X-rays to make pictures of your upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Your upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract consists of the mouth and throat (pharynx) and your esophagus.

Barium is applied at some stage in a swallowing to make precise area of the body seem clean on a X-ray film radiograph. The radiologist will certainly need to see length and state of the pharynx and esophagus. The person in question will likewise be capable understand the manner which you swallow. These information probably may not be visible on a general X-ray. Barium is utilized uniquely for imaging tests for the gastrointestinal tract. A barium swallow test might be utilized by itself or as a part of an upper gastrointestinal series. This collection takes a study your throat, stomach, and the preliminary section of the small intestine (duodenum).

 Fluoroscopy is regularly applied during a barium swallow test. Fluoroscopy is a kind of X-ray "animation."

1. Why is a swallow test done?

A barium swallow test is probably accomplished to look for analysis of the disease in the pharynx and esophagus. You might require barium swallow test if your medical physician thinks that you have:

·        Disease of the head and neck, pharynx, or esophagus

·        Hiatal hernia. This means that your stomach has climbed into or closes through the esophagus.

·        Structural disorder, for example, pouches (diverticula), narrowing (injuries), or developments (polyps)

·        Veins enlargement (esophageal varices)

·        Muscular disease, for example, problem in swallowing (dysphagia) or spasms

·        Achalasia. This is a circumstance in which the decrease esophageal sphincter muscle would not unwind and allow meals to byskip into the stomach.

·        Gastro-esophageal reflux disorder (GERD) and ulcers

2. What are the risks of barium swallow test?

The risks of a barium swallow test would possibly contain problems from radiation exposure, beginning defects and gastrointestinal problems. You have to ask your medical physician about the dangers as they subject you.

1. How can I control my X-ray exposure?

You would possibly want to get a few information about how much radiation applied in the course of the swallowing test. Consider report all X-rays you get, along with beyond scans and X-rays for different reasons. Show this rundown to your supplier. The risks of radiation exposure is probably connected to the amount of X-rays you have and the X-ray therapies you have over the long time.

2. What will a barium swallow test have an effect on my stool?

You would possibly have blockage or affected stool after the swallowing test with inside the occasion if all the barium would not pass from your body.

3. Is it secure to have a barium swallow test even as pregnant?

You must not have a barium swallow test assuming which you are pregnant. Radiation in the course of being pregnant would possibly result in birth defects. Let your doctor recognize if you are pregnant or determine you might be pregnant.

4. When have to avoid a barium swallow test?

You have to avoid a barium swallow take a look at when you have a hazard which you have any of the following:

·        A tear or opening in the esophagus or intestines perforation.

·        Blockage in your digestive tract or extreme constipation

·        Serious issues with swallowing. This makes it almost certain that barium would accidentally go into your lungs (aspiration).


3. How do I prepare for a barium swallow test?

You can put together for a barium swallow test through considering the accompanying:

·        Your hospital treatment provider will make experience of the barium swallow test to you. Ask that individual any inquiries you've got about the swallowing test.

·        You is probably approached to signed a consent application that lets in doing the swallowing test.

·        You have to stop ingesting and consuming for round eight hours earlier than the swallowing test. Generally, this indicates after 12 in night.

·        Let your provider know in case you are pregnant or determine you is probably pregnant previous to scheduling a barium swallow test.

·        Let your provider recognize in case you are sensitive to or are allergic to any drugs, plastic, tape, or sedative medicines (nearby and general) prior to planning a swallowing test.

·        Tell your provider regarding all prescriptions you're taking. This includes solutions, over the counter drugs, and natural supplements. You may must prevent taking those earlier than the swallowing test.

·        Let your clinical services provider know when you have had a brand new barium swallow or upper GI test. This may make it more difficult to get superb X-rays of the lower GI area in the course of barium swallow test.

·        Follow another suggestions your provider offers you to prepare for the swallowing test.

4. What does a barium swallow test involve?

Generally, a barium swallow test includes the subsequent process:

·        You'll be approached to take off any apparel, jewelry, or exclusive gadgets that would get in the manner of the swallowing test.

·        You will lie on an X-ray couch which can move you from a stage to an upstanding position. You can also be requested to alternate positions all through the swallowing test. You may must lie in your side, back, or stomach.

·        The radiologist may take X-rays of your chest and belly (abdomen) first.

·        The radiologist will request which you take a swallow of a thick, white barium drink. The barium is normally enhanced; however, it can now no longer flavor excellent.

·        As you swallow the barium, the radiologist will take single pictures, a development of X-rays or fluoroscopy to look the motion of the barium via your mouth and throat.

·        You is probably requested to prevent your respiratory at particular instances during the test.

·        You can be given a thinner barium drink to swallow. The radiologist will make use of X-rays or fluoroscopy to look at the barium cross down your throat. You may also likewise be requested to swallow a barium tablet. This is a touch tablet which can help with displaying particular issues in the throat.

·        When the radiologist has taken all the X-rays, you will be helped from the table.

 A barium swallow test is probably proceeded as a short-time period technique or as part of your stay in hospital. The way in which the test is accomplished may also alternate relying upon your circumstance and your hospital treatment supplier's practices



5. Side effects after barium swallow test?

Call your medical offerings supplier proper if any of those occur after your barium swallow test:

·        The problem with solid discharges otherwise you cannot have a defecation or pass gas

·        Pain and swelling of the abdomen

·        Stools which are smaller in size than ordinary

·        Fever

Your medical offerings provider may provide you with special instructions, relying upon your circumstance.