A barium swallow is a procedure used to investigate the upper gastrointestinal tract. The procedure involves ingestion of a radio-opaque contrast substance (barium sulfate paste) which shows up on X-ray. A barium swallow examines the oesophagus (the first part of the gastrointestinal tract where food passes when it is swallowed) to identify any reflux (movement of substances the wrong direction that can cause indigestion) or abnormal motility.
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