Consumer Information

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.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

RISKS:

Barium swallow is a common and safe procedure. You may have cramping abdominal (stomach) pain, vomiting, or more problems swallowing. The barium may harden, if it is not passed from your body, and may cause a blockage in your digestive tract. The barium may leak out of your esophagus iif it has perforations or it may go down your airway. If it goes down your airway, the heart and brain may not get oxygen, which can be life-threatening. Following your caregiver's advice after the procedure may decrease your chances of having problems.
Without this procedure, your exact disease may not be diagnosed and proper treatment may not be given. The signs and symptoms you have may continue and worsen. You may have problems eating, digesting food, or moving your bowels, which may lead to other serious medical problems. Ask your caregiver if you are worried or have questions about your procedure, medicine, or care.

WHILE YOU ARE HERE:

Before your procedure:

Informed consent: You have the right to understand your health condition in words that you know. You should be told what tests, treatments, or procedures may be done to treat your condition. Your doctor should also tell you about the risks and benefits of each treatment. You may be asked to sign a consent form that gives caregivers permission to do certain tests, treatments, or procedures. If you are unable to give your consent, someone who has permission can sign this form for you. A consent form is a legal piece of paper that tells exactly what will be done to you. Before giving your consent, make sure all your questions have been answered so that you understand what may happen.
Gown: A hospital gown is used so that caregivers can easily check and treat you. Caregivers will show you how to put on your gown. When you feel better you may be able to wear your own gown or pajamas.
IV: An IV is a tube placed in your vein for giving medicine or liquids. This tube is capped or connected to tubing and liquid.
Pre-op care: You may be given medicine right before your procedure or surgery. This medicine may make you feel relaxed and sleepy. You are taken on a stretcher to the room where your procedure or surgery will be done, and then you are moved to a table or bed.

During your procedure:

Once you are in the radiology (x-ray) room, your caregiver will give you glucagon or an anti-spasmodic (prevents spasms) medicine. This helps your esophagus to relax and decreases its movement. While standing, X-ray pictures are taken before you drink the barium Your caregiver will watch the whole procedure on a small video screen and record it.
During a single contrast barium swallow, you will drink 1 or 2 large barium mixtures. These mixtures may look like milkshakes, but taste chalky due to the barium. If a double contrast barium swallow is to be done, you will first have to take baking soda and an anti-foaming agent. These substances will produce air or carbon dioxide (gas) to help expand (distend) your stomach and small bowel. Pictures will be taken to see how the air or gas moves inside your stomach and small bowel. You will be asked to swallow the barium, which may make you want to vomit (throw up) as it passes down your throat. You will have to sit up and stand still, or turn to your sides as pictures are taken. Try to swallow and hold everything inside while these pictures are taken.
You will then be transferred onto a special table or bed that will move in many positions. You will be asked to lie on your back and straps will be put around you to hold you securely on the table as it moves. As the table moves and the barium spreads inside your stomach and intestines, more pictures will be taken.

After your procedure: You may lie in bed and rest for a while since the procedure may be a little tiring. When caregivers see that you are OK, you may be allowed to go home. If caregivers want you to stay in the hospital, you will be taken back to your hospital room. Ask your caregiver for information on how to take care of yourself after your procedure.

Bedpan: You may not be able to get out of bed to urinate or to have a bowel movement (BM). If you cannot get out of bed you will use a bedpan. Ask your caregivers if you need help using the bedpan.
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: Men 19 years old and older should drink about 3.0 Liters of liquid each day (close to 13 eight-ounce cups). Women 19 years old and older should drink about 2.2 Liters of liquid each day (close to 9 eight-ounce cups). 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. If you are used to drinking liquids that contain caffeine, such as coffee, these can also be counted in your daily liquid amount. Try to drink enough liquid each day, and not just when you feel thirsty.
Medicines: You may need any of the following:
- 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.
Monitoring: Caregivers may check for your pulses on your arms or wrists. This helps caregivers learn if you have problems with blood flow after your procedure. You may also have any of the following:
- Vital signs: This includes taking your temperature, blood pressure, pulse (counting your heartbeat), and respirations (counting your breaths). To take your blood pressure, a cuff is put on your arm and tightened. The cuff is attached to a machine which gives your blood pressure reading. Caregivers may listen to your heart and lungs by using a stethoscope. Your vital signs are taken so caregivers can see how you are doing.

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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