Table of Contents
What does a barium swallow look like?
To do a barium swallow, you swallow a chalky white substance known as barium. It’s often mixed with water to make a thick drink that looks like a milkshake. When it’s swallowed, this liquid coats the inside of your upper GI. Barium absorbs X-rays and looks white on X-ray film.
What does a modified barium swallow diagnose?
Modified Barium Swallow (MBS) is a fluoroscopic procedure designed to determine whether food or liquid is entering a person’s lungs, also known as aspiration.
How long does an upper GI barium test take?
The procedure usually takes about 2 hours. The procedure can take up to 5 hours if the barium moves slowly through your small intestine. For the procedure, you’ll be asked to stand or sit in front of an x-ray machine and drink barium, which coats the lining of your upper GI tract.
How long does it take to do a barium swallow test?
You have a barium swallow as an outpatient in the radiology (x-ray) department. It takes 10 to 15 minutes.
What should you not do before a barium swallow?
People who are undergoing a barium swallow should not eat or drink for a few hours before the test. In some cases, the doctor may ask the person to stop taking medication before the test. Some hospitals recommend not chewing gum, eating mints, or smoking cigarettes after midnight the night before a barium swallow test.
What does it mean when you fail a swallow test?
Test failure is defined as the inability to drink the entire amount continuously, any cough up to 1 min after the swallowing attempt, or the development of a wet, gurgly, or hoarse vocal quality.
How long is a modified barium swallow?
Although the X-ray portion of the test takes less than 15 minutes, the appointment also includes an interview prior to the X-ray and feedback/recommendations afterwards. The entire appointment from start to finish will take about 90 minutes.
What is the prep for barium swallow?
You will need to stop eating and drinking for about 8 hours before the swallowing test. Generally, this means after midnight. Tell your provider if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant before scheduling a barium swallow test.
What do you wear to a barium swallow?
Generally, a barium swallow test involves the following process: You’ll be asked to remove any clothing, jewelry, or other objects that may get in the way of the swallowing test. You may be asked to remove clothing. If so, you will be given a gown to wear.
What to expect during a barium swallow?
You’ll go to a local radiology facility for your test,which will be performed by a radiology technician
What are the risks of barium swallow?
– ulcers – abnormal growths – blockages – narrowing
What are the side effects of a barium swallow?
Side effects of barium sulfate include: Stomach cramps Nausea Vomiting Constipation Diarrhea Nausea and vomiting within a half-hour after swallowing barium are the more prevalent side effects. A barium swallow is a test that shows the inside of your food pipe (oesophagus).
What is an upper GI series procedure?
An upper gastrointestinal series is an x-ray test used to define the anatomy of the upper digestive tract.