Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Barium swallow
Introduction
Overview
Overview
A barium swallow is a medical imaging procedure used to examine the upper GI (gastrointestinal) tract, which includes the oesophagus and, to a lesser extent, the stomach.
Principle
Principle
Barium sulphate is a type of Contrast medium that is visible to x-rays. As the patient swallows the Barium suspension, it coats the oesphagus with a thin layer of the barium. This enables the hollow structure to be imaged.
Examination
Examination
The patient is asked to drink a suspension of barium sulfate. Fluoroscopy images are taken as the barium is swallowed. This is typically at a rate of 2 or 3 frames pers second. The patient is asked to swallow the Barium a number of times, whilst standing in different positions, i.e. AP, oblique and lateral, to assess the 3D structure as best possible.
Pathology
Pathology
Pathologies detected on a Barium Swallow include: