Difficulty swallowing? Let's learn about the Barium Swallow Test (Esophagram) in simple terms

Do you feel like you're choking when you swallow food, or like something is stuck in your throat? Or do you often have a burning sensation or pain in your chest? Today we're going to talk about a special test that many people are a little afraid of, but is actually not that scary. This is called a barium swallow test.

What is a Barium Swallow Test?

Simply put, this is a special X-ray (X-ray) test. When we usually take an X-ray, things like bones are clearly visible. But soft parts like our food pipe, that is, the esophagus, are not visible. Imagine, when you look at a white object in a dark room, it is clearly visible, and this test does the same thing.

Here, you are given a safe, chalky-tasting liquid called "Barium" to drink. As this liquid travels down your esophagus, it coats the inside walls of your esophagus. Then, when you take an X-ray, the area that has been coated with the barium will show up very clearly on the X-ray. It will look like a chalk line drawn on a blackboard. This is also called an Esophagram.

Why do you need to do this barium test?

A doctor may recommend this test if they suspect there is a problem with your esophagus. It can be very helpful in finding the cause of things like difficulty swallowing, chest pain, or a persistent cough.

Check out the table below to see some of the conditions that this test can detect.

How exactly does this test work?

This test uses a technique called fluoroscopy . It's like an X-ray video. A regular X-ray only takes one picture. But in this test, the X-ray beam is focused for a short time, and as you swallow the barium liquid, the doctor can watch it move down the esophagus in real-time on a computer screen. This allows the doctor to see exactly how the muscles in the esophagus are working, whether it's getting stuck somewhere, or if it's coming back up.

Sometimes, you may be given an effervescent granule like baking soda to drink along with the barium swallow. This causes gas to build up in the stomach and distend the esophagus. This makes it easier to see any narrowing or hernias in the esophagus.

Finally, to take a closer look at whether the esophagus is narrowed anywhere, you may be asked to swallow a barium tablet with water.

How should you prepare before the test?

This is not a test that requires much preparation, but it is very important to follow the doctor's instructions exactly.

• Talk to your doctor: Before the test, your doctor will explain this to you. Be sure to tell them if you have an allergy to barium . For such people, a substance containing iodine may be used instead of barium.
• Inform your doctor or radiographer if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, as X-rays may be harmful to the baby in the womb.
• Avoid eating or drinking: You will usually be advised not to eat or drink anything for 6 to 8 hours before the test. The test can produce clearer images if your stomach is empty.
• Other things: Avoid things like chewing gum and sucking on toffee, as these can create a thin coating on the throat and esophagus, which can interfere with the test.

What happens during the test?

This is an outpatient procedure that can be performed without having to stay in the hospital. You will also be given anesthesia, which means you will not be put to sleep. The entire procedure takes about 20-30 minutes.

1. Let's start by standing: First, you will be asked to stand in front of the X-ray machine. Then, you will be given a cup of barium liquid.

2. Drink the barium solution: It may taste a bit chalky, but it is not difficult to drink because it is flavored. The radiologist or doctor will give you instructions such as "drink now", "swallow now", and "hold your breath".

3. Watch the video: As you swallow the barium, you will see a video on the computer screen of it moving down your esophagus. At that time, you will be asked to turn in different directions (right, left).

4. Lying on the table: Next, you will be made to lie on a special table (tilting table). This table can be tilted up and down, and in different directions. You will be turned upside down, sideways, and stomach to take X-ray images. You may also be asked to drink more barium liquid while you are on the table.

5. Barium tablet: Finally, you can also check how it goes by asking you to swallow a barium tablet with water.

All of this is done to clearly view every part of the esophagus from every angle.

Are there any side effects after the test?

Most people don't experience major side effects, but you can expect some minor ones.

• Stomach fullness or pain: The barium may make your stomach feel a little full, or you may experience mild stomach cramps.
• Constipation: This is a fairly common side effect. The barium can cause your stool to become a little dry and your stomach to become dry.
• White stool: Don't be alarmed by this! Your stool may turn white or light-colored for a day or two after the test. This is because the barium is being excreted from your body. This is completely normal.

The best way to quickly get rid of these side effects is to drink plenty of water throughout the day after the test. This will help the barium leave your body more quickly and reduce stomach discomfort.

What happens after the test?

Once the test is over, you can go home. Your X-ray images and video will be reviewed by a radiologist, who will prepare a report and send it to your treating doctor.

The next time you go to see the doctor, he will look at the report and explain to you what the results mean, what to do next, and whether treatment is needed.

When do you want to see the doctor again?

Usually, the side effects of the test will completely disappear within a day or two. However, if the things we talked about earlier, such as bloating and stomach discomfort, do not subside after a few days, or if you feel more uncomfortable than usual, be sure to inform your doctor.

Also, if you continue to have difficulty swallowing or chest pain after the test, it is important to tell your doctor about that as well.

Barium Swallow Test, Esophagram, Dysphagia, Esophagus, X-ray, Gastrointestinal Tract, Heartburn, Hiatal Hernia