Barium Swallow

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Barium swallow, also called an esophagram, is an x-ray procedure to examine the esophagus (food pipe) using barium. Liquid barium is a white, chalky contrast material that helps the esophagus show up better on the x-ray. The esophagus is the tube that carries food and liquid from the mouth to the stomach. With a barium swallow, diseases and other problems that affect the esophagus may be diagnosed. These may include heartburn or esophageal bleeding, blockage, cancer (tumor), hernia (defective walls), or diverticuli (pouches). A barium swallow may also help caregivers learn what is causing troubled or painful swallowing.
  
  
• A barium swallow may be done on an out-patient basis or during a hospital stay. Barium is mixed with water and drank to give a better view of the esophagus. With a barium swallow, conditions of the esophagus may be diagnosed and proper treatment may be given.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

Medicines:

• Keep a written list of the medicines you take, the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers. Learn why you take each medicine. Ask your caregiver for information about your medicine. Do not use any medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements without first talking to caregivers.
  
  
• Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping or if you feel you are having side effects. Do not quit taking your medicines until you discuss it with your caregiver. If you are taking medicine that makes you drowsy, do not drive or use heavy equipment.

• Enemas or laxatives: Barium can cause constipation and may cause a blockage in your colon if it is not passed out of your body. These medicines may be given to help you empty your bowel faster. Ask your caregiver if you have any questions about these medicines.
  
  
• Stool softeners: You may be given stool softeners to soften your bowel movements, making them easier to pass.

Ask your caregiver when to return for a follow-up visit. Keep all appointments. Write down any questions you may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your next visit.

• Ask your caregiver when the results of your procedure will be available.
  
  

Bowel movements:

• This is also called a BM or having a stool. Your BM may be light-colored from the barium for 24 to 72 hours. You may also become constipated (dry, hard stools) after having the procedure. To prevent bleeding, do not strain or push hard while having a BM. Check your stool to make sure it is not black or have blood in it.
  
  
• Walking is the best way to get your bowels moving. Eat foods high in fiber to make it easier to have a BM. Good examples are high fiber cereals, beans, vegetables, and whole grain breads. Prune juice may help make your BM softer. Caregivers may give you fiber medicine or a stool softener to help make your BM softer and more regular. Ask your caregiver for more information about these medicines and if you should take laxatives or enemas.

Diet: Eat a variety of healthy foods from all the food groups every day. Include whole grain bread, cereal, rice and pasta. Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables, including dark green and orange vegetables and legumes (dry beans). Include dairy products such as low-fat milk, yogurt and cheese. Choose protein sources such as lean meat and poultry (chicken), fish, beans, eggs and nuts. Ask your caregiver how many servings of fats, oils, and sweets you may have each day, and if you need to be on a special diet.

Drinking liquids: Drinking six to eight cups of healthy liquids each day will help to prevent constipation that may be caused by the barium. Follow your caregiver's advice if you must change the amount of liquid you drink. For most people, healthy liquids to drink are water, juices, and milk. Limit the amount of caffeine in your diet. Caffeine may make you urinate too much and lose too much body fluid. Caffeine may be found in coffee, tea, soda pop, sports drinks, and foods.

Rest: You may feel like resting more. Slowly start to do more each day. Rest when you feel it is needed.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a feeling of being too full or bloated.
  
  
• You have a fever (increased body temperature).
  
  
• You have nausea (upset stomach) or vomiting (throwing up).
  
  
• You are unable to have a BM.
  
  
• You have stools are still light-colored and very thin (like a pencil) after three days.
  
  
• Your skin is itchy, swollen, or has a rash.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your procedure, condition, or care.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You are not able to eat or drink, or are urinating less or not at all.
  
  
• You have problems having a bowel movement or passing urine.
  
  
• You have trouble breathing all of a sudden.
  
  
• Your abdomen becomes tender and hard.
  
  
• Your signs and symptoms are getting worse.
  
  
• Your stools are black or have blood in them.
  
  
• Your vomit (throw up) has blood or bile in it.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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