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What are these tests intended to evaluate?
The barium swallow is designed to examine the pharynx (throat) and oesophagus (tube leading to the stomach). It is a sensitive test for:
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Structural abnormalities responsible for a variety of swallowing disorders. |
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Disorders of muscle function and coordination at any level between the teeth and the stomach. |
The barium meal may be combined with the barium swallow, and represents an extension of the barium swallow test to evaluate the stomach and the duodenum, which is the first segment of intestine beyond the stomach.
What happens during a Barium Swallow and Barium Meal?
To ensure the highest quality images, an empty stomach is required. For this reason you will need to have nothing to eat or drink for a minimum of 6 hours prior to the examination.
During the examination the radiologist will ask you to drink several mouthfuls of chalky-tasting barium mixture, whilst observing you with a fluoroscope (an x-ray television camera). An effervescent gas producing mixture is frequently given by mouth to distend the stomach. In addition to taking routine x-ray pictures a video recording may be made, particularly when there is the possibility of abnormal muscle function.
An intravenous drug designed to temporarily relax the muscles of the stomach and duodenum may be given during the course of a barium meal. This small injection is usually administered into a vein of the forearm.
Are there any side effects of a Barium Swallow?
When a muscle relaxing drug is necessary you may experience mild blurring of vision for a period of 10-15 minutes.
The barium mixture is a very safe compound. However, in the amount given for a barium swallow or barium meal, the barium may cause mild constipation. In anticipation of this effect we advise generous oral fluid intake and a diet rich in fibre for 24 hours after the study.
And finally:
If you have any unanswered questions regarding your barium meal or barium swallow, the radiologist performing your procedure will be most willing to answer your queries. |
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