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Barium swallow and mealPublished by BUPA's health information team, healthinfo@bupa.com, June 2007. This factsheet is for people who are considering having a barium swallow and meal. Your care may differ from what is described here because it is adapted to meet your individual needs.
What is a barium swallow and meal?A barium swallow and meal is a special X-ray test used to examine your throat, oesophagus, stomach and/or the first part of the small bowel (duodenum). The gut does not show up well on plain X-rays. However, if the gut wall is coated with barium, a white liquid which shows up on X-rays, it makes it possible to examine the gut. Sometimes the barium may be substituted with gastrograffin. Ask you doctor or radiographer for details. If the stomach is being examined it's called having a barium meal. If the oesophagus is examined at the same time, then it's called having a barium swallow and meal. If the small bowel is being looked at, then it's known as barium meal and follow through or small bowel meal. This examination is not discussed here. A barium swallow and meal test can help check the oesophagus and stomach for signs of ulcers, inflammation, obstruction or cancer. The examination is routinely done as an out-patient procedure in the imaging or radiology department. What are the alternatives?Alternative imaging procedures include ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computerised tomography (CT). Your doctor will discuss which procedure is most suitable for you. Preparing for your examinationIf you normally take medication (eg tablets for blood pressure), it's important that you discuss this with your doctor before your test and follow the instructions in your admission letter. Usually you will be asked not to take your morning dose(s), but bring your medicines to the hospital with you. If you are unsure about taking your medication, please contact your doctor. In general, your stomach and small bowel need to be empty for this test. So, you need to follow the fasting instructions in your admission letter. Typically, you must not eat or drink for about six hours before the test. You may have occasional sips of water until two hours beforehand. If you are diabeticFollow your doctor's advice and make sure you have enough to eat on the day before your appointment to prevent low blood sugar levels. What to expect at the hospitalYou must tell your radiographer about any medicines you are taking and if you have any allergies, glaucoma or heart disease. If you are a woman of childbearing age, you will be asked if you are pregnant. This test is not recommended for pregnant women, unless there is an urgent medical reason. Please tell your radiographer if you could be pregnant. Your radiographer will explain the procedure and ensure that you are happy to proceed with the test. About the procedureThe test usually takes 15 to 20 minutes. In a private cubicle, you will be asked to remove your clothing and put on a hospital gown. You will be taken to the X-ray room where you will be asked to drink some white liquid containing barium. The liquid is usually mildly fruit flavoured and you will be asked to sip one or two mouthfuls at a time. Your radiographer will help position your body in front of an X-ray camera, often with you standing on a small step of an upright X-ray table. You may then be asked to swallow a dessert spoon of granules followed by a dessert spoon of liquid. This will temporarily expand (enlarge) your stomach, making it easier to see the stomach wall on X-rays. You may be given an injection of a muscle relaxant to help relax the muscles of the stomach wall and stop the stomach from moving. Images of your oesophagus will be displayed on a TV screen. Once the oesophagus has been studied and X-rays taken, the table will slowly tilt, so that you are lying down. Then more pictures will be taken. At certain points during the process you may be asked to hold your breath for a couple of seconds. You may also be asked to swallow whilst lying down. What to expect afterwardsWhen you feel ready, you will be able to go home. If you have muscle relaxants you should wait an hour before driving. It is best to arrange for someone to drive you home. Once home, you should drink clear fluids regularly and try to eat vegetables, fruit and high fibre foods. This helps to maintain regular bowel movement and avoid constipation. ResultsA report will be sent to the doctor who requested your test. The report can take several days to reach your doctor. Before you go home, please ask you radiographer when you can expect to get your results. If you haven't been told the results of your X-ray within two weeks, you should call the doctor who requested your test. What are the risks?Barium swallow and meal test is commonly performed and generally safe. In order to make an informed decision and give your consent, you need to be aware of the possible side-effects and the risk of complications for this procedure. You will be exposed to some X-ray radiation. Level of exposure is about the same as you would receive naturally from the environment over 12 to 18 months. If you are pregnantPregnant women are advised not to have X-rays as there's a risk the radiation may cause some damage to the unborn child. If you could be pregnant, please tell your doctor or radiographer. Side-effectsThese are the unwanted but mostly temporary effects of a successful test. After having a barium swallow or meal you may feel bloated for a short while. You may also feel constipated for a few days and may need to take mild laxatives. Muscle relaxants can temporarily blur your eyesight. Vision should improve after 30 minutes. ComplicationsComplications are when problems occur during or after the procedure. It's possible to have an allergic reaction to the flavouring added to some barium brands. If you experience any itching or difficulty in breathing tell your radiographer immediately. Medicines are available to treat any allergic reaction. Ask your doctor to explain how these risks apply to you. The exact risks will differ for every person. This is one of the reasons why we have not included statistics here. Further information
Sources
Related topicsThis information was published by BUPA's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by BUPA doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional. Publication date: June 2007. Expected review date: June 2009.
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