What Are Barium X-Rays?
Updated January 31, 2012.
Question: What Are Barium X-Rays?
Answer:
A barium x-ray (the general term for a barium esophagram, barium swallow, upper GI series, small bowl follow-through, or small bowl series) is a diagnostic x-ray in which barium is used to diagnose abnormalities of the digestive tract.
If you have one, you'll drink a chalk-colored liquid that contains barium. It coats the walls of the GI tract and is visible on an x-ray.
The radiologist reading the x-ray can then see if there are strictures, ulcers, masses, hiatal hernias, erosions or other abnormalities.
This test is not sensitive enough to be used as a reliable diagnostic test for GERD. It is used more often in patients who are experiencing difficulty with swallowing.
Sources:
Costas H. Kefalas, M.D., "GI Radiographic Tests." The American College of Gastroenterology. Accessed on 4 Mar 2009
"Heartburn? Could It Be GERD? Understanding Heartburn and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)" AN417/AGA/GERD/Booklet 12/3/03. American Gastroenterological Association. Accessed on 4 Mar 2009