What is a barium swallow?
A barium swallow shows an outline of the oesophagus and stomach on a plain X-ray, by way of barium as a contrast medium which is swallowed by the patient.
It may show irregularities of the usual smooth outline, caused by strictures (narrowing) or ulceration – damage to the mucosa (lining) of the oesophagus.
How is a barium swallow performed?
A barium swallow involves drinking some liquid which shows up on an X-ray. This contrast medium shows up as white on a plain X-ray taken soon after swallowing. The barium shows up the inside of the oesophagus (food pipe) and stomach, and gives an idea of their lining surfaces (mucosa).
When would you need a barium swallow?
A barium swallow may be requested by your doctor if you have difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) or painful swallowing (odynophagia).
These symptoms may indicate:
- A narrowing in the oesophagus (known as a stricture)
- Ulceration or inflammation of the oesophagus (oesophagitis)
- Failure of normal relaxation of the oesophagus during swallowing (achalasia)
A barium swallow may also sometimes show an abnormality in the stomach such as an ulcer or a tumour.
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Barium swallow results explained
Barium swallow results are sent to your doctor after the images have been interpreted by the Radiologist. One of the conditions mentioned above may be diagnosed, or further tests may be required if the test is inconclusive.
Related specialists
- General Practitioner (GP)
- General Physician
- General Surgeon
- Cardiothoracic Surgeon
- Gastroenterologist
- Oncologist
- Paediatrician
- Palliative Care Physician
- Radiologist
Related procedures
- Endoscopy of the Upper Gastrointestinal Tract
- Tissue Biopsy
Related tests
- Chest X-Ray (CXR)
- Endoscopy of the Upper Gastrointestinal Tract
- CT Scan of the Chest
- CT Scan of the Abdomen
- Gastrografin Swallow
Also known as
- Barium oesophagram
- Barium meal
Links
- Patient.co.uk – Barium Swallow / meal / follow-through
- Cancer Research UK – Barium X-Ray
- RadiologyInfo – Upper GI Tract X-Ray
- Wikipedia – Barium Meal
A: Use HealthEngine to find and book your next Gastroenterologist appointment. Click on the following locations to find a Gastroenterologist clinic in your state or territory.
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. If in doubt, HealthEngine recommends consulting with a registered health practitioner.
All content and media on the HealthEngine Blog is created and published online for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Never disregard the advice of a medical professional, or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the nearest hospital emergency department, or call the emergency services immediately.
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