Let's simply learn about X-ray examinations (Gastrointestinal - GI Exams) for stomach problems.

Do you often have stomach problems like heartburn or gastritis? Or do you feel like you're stuck when you swallow food, or you feel uncomfortable when your stomach is full? Sometimes the doctor needs to "peek" into your digestive system to find out exactly what's causing these problems. But it's not that easy to do. That's when these special X-ray tests, or GI tests, come in handy. Let's talk about this simply and completely today.

Simply put, what is this GI test?

GI is an abbreviation for the word `(Gastrointestinal)`. It refers to our digestive system . Think of it like a long tube. It starts at the mouth, goes through the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and ends at the anus. This system digests the food we eat, absorbs nutrients, and expels the rest as waste.

So, a GI exam is done to see if there is a problem somewhere in this system. This usually uses a special type of X-ray called fluoroscopy . This is like a video X-ray . While a regular X-ray can only take one picture, this can show the organs inside your stomach, that is, how food and drink move, in real-time, that is, as if it were a video.

What are the main types of GI tests?

These tests are divided into several types, depending on the organ your doctor wants to examine. Almost all of these tests use a special liquid called `Barium`, which is why they are also called Barium tests.

Why do you want to do this kind of test?

Your doctor may recommend this test if you have persistent stomach pain that you can't explain. For example:

• Difficulty swallowing
• Severe indigestion
• Reflux
• Abdominal pain
• Persistent diarrhea
• Frequent vomiting
• Blood in your poop

These tests are very helpful in finding out exactly what is causing these symptoms.

What diseases can be detected by these tests?

These tests can detect many medical conditions. Some of them are:

• Stomach ulcers
• Tumors
• Small growths (polyps) that form in the intestines
• Hiatal hernias
• Gastritis
• GERD (Chronic acid reflux)
• Inflammatory bowel disease

How should you prepare before the test?

To get a successful result from this test, it is very important to prepare properly beforehand. Your doctor or the X-ray facility will give you a clear set of instructions on what to do.

• Diet: You may be asked to eat only liquids for a few days before the test. Sometimes, if the lower intestines are being examined, the intestines must be completely empty.
• Fasting: You will be asked not to eat or drink anything for several hours before the test.
• Laxatives: Laxatives can be given to cleanse the intestines.
• Other things: You may be asked to stop smoking and taking certain medications for about two days.

On the day of the test, leave any jewelry or valuables at home. The hospital will give you a special gown to wear. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, using an insulin pump, or have any allergies, you must tell the technician performing the X-ray beforehand.

What actually happens during the test?

There is a slight difference between the way the upper intestine is examined and the way the lower intestine is examined.

When performing an upper GI exam...

You will first be placed on a special bed that is connected to the X-ray machine. Then you will be given the barium liquid we talked about earlier to drink. It is a chalky white, slightly thick liquid. It doesn't taste very good, but these days they have added flavorings. As you drink this, an X-ray is taken of how this liquid moves through your esophagus and stomach, like a video. The bed may be tilted back and forth, taking X-ray pictures in different positions. Apart from drinking this barium, there is no major discomfort.

When performing a lower GI exam...

In this, you are made to lie down on a bed, and a small tube is inserted through your rectum and a barium solution is inserted through it. This is called an enema . X-ray pictures are taken as the solution spreads throughout your colon.

After the initial images are taken, you will be asked to go to the toilet and pass as much of the barium liquid as possible. Then, several more X-ray images will be taken to see how much barium remains on the inside walls of your colon.

What happens after the test?

After the test is over, you can go about your business and eat and drink as normal.

• Drink plenty of water: To quickly flush out the barium from your body, it is very important to drink plenty of water for several days.
• White stool: Your stool may be chalky white for two to three days. This is because the barium liquid is coming out. This is normal, don't worry about it.
• Stomach changes: Some people may experience temporary diarrhea or constipation. This will resolve in a day or two.

Are these tests safe? Are there any risks?

This is a very safe test. The risks are very low.

• Allergies: The risk of developing an allergic reaction to barium liquid is very low.
• Radiation: X-rays do expose you to radiation. But it is not harmful to your health. However, prolonged exposure to X-rays over a short period of time is not good. Pregnant women should avoid these tests.
• Other risks: During a barium enema, there is a very rare risk of a tear in the intestinal wall. If this happens, surgery may be necessary. However, the chance of this happening is very, very low.

Your doctor will usually receive the results of your test within 24 hours. The doctor will then discuss the results with you and explain what steps you need to take next.

Gastrointestinal Exams, GI Exams, Barium test, Stomach tests, Gastritis, Stomach inflammation, Barium Swallow, Barium Enema, Fluoroscopy, Digestive system diseases