A key part of a barium test involves swallowing a special barium drink while medical professionals observe its path through your digestive system.
Understanding the Process
A barium test, often used to examine the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract (esophagus, stomach, and small intestine), relies on a substance called barium. Barium is a contrast agent that shows up clearly on X-rays, allowing doctors to see the shape and function of these organs.
Performing the Barium Swallow
The core action you perform during the test is drinking a liquid containing barium.
- Swallow the Barium Drink: You will be asked to swallow a drink that contains barium.
- Drink Characteristics: The drink is typically thick and chalky. To improve taste and make it easier to swallow, it's usually flavored, often with options like chocolate or strawberry.
- Observation: While you are swallowing, a radiologist will be actively watching the process. They observe images of the barium traveling down your throat and through your upper GI tract using imaging equipment, such as fluoroscopy (a type of X-ray "movie").
This swallowing and observation process allows the radiologist to identify any abnormalities, blockages, or structural issues in the areas being examined.
