WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW
A barium swallow is an x-ray of
the throat and esophagus (eh-SOF-uh-gus), the tube connecting
the throat to the stomach. Barium blocks x-rays so that the
outline of the throat and esophagus will show up on the film.
The pictures are used to help pinpoint your
problem.
Risks
If your body does not get rid of the barium, it can
harden and block your bowel, causing pain and other problems.
Barium can also cause the body to lose water, leading to
dehydration. To avoid these problems, follow your doctor's
instructions carefully.
IF YOU'RE HEADING FOR THE
HOSPITAL...
Before You Go
-
Your doctor will tell you when you must stop eating
or drinking anything, including water. Follow these
instructions exactly.
-
If your doctor says you may take your medicine as
usual, swallow it with only a sip of
water.
-
You may be asked to take a laxative before the test.
This will help to clear the barium from your
bowel.
-
For 2 to 3 days before the test, eat high-fiber
foods, such as fruits, grains, and vegetables, and drink at
least 6 to 8 (soda-can size) glasses of water per day. This
also helps your body get rid of the
barium.
What to Expect While You're
There
-
Taking Vital Signs: Before the test, a nurse will
take your temperature, blood pressure, pulse (counting your
heartbeats), and respirations (counting your breaths). A
stethoscope is used to listen to your heart and lungs. Your
blood pressure may be taken by wrapping a cuff around your
arm.
-
During the Barium Swallow:
-
You will be given 1 or 2 large barium "milkshakes"
to drink. Because barium tastes chalky, flavoring such as
strawberry may be added to the
milkshake.
-
You will be asked to lie on a table, and straps
will be put around you to hold you in place. The table
will then be moved to many different
positions.
-
The x-rays will be taken as the barium flows down
your esophagus and into your
stomach.
-
The test takes about 15 to 30 minutes. Follow-up
pictures may need to be taken about 6 hours after you
swallowed the barium.
After You Leave
-
You may need to take a mild laxative after the test
to help clear out the barium.
-
Drink 2 to 3 glasses (soda-can sized) of water after
the test to help flush the barium from your
body.
-
Your stools will be chalky and light-colored for 24
to 72 hours after the test.
-
If you have a colostomy, irrigate it after the last
x-ray is taken and again in the morning. The last x-ray may
be taken as late as 6 hours after you first swallowed
barium.
Call Your Doctor If...
-
You have not passed barium in your stool within 2 to
3 days after the exam.
-
You have pain in your lower belly or
stomach.
-
Your stool is pencil-thin, or there is a change in
your bowel habits.
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