Have you been asked to do an Upper GI Series test? Let's learn about it simply! (Upper GI Series)

Do you often get heartburn or indigestion? Or do you have difficulty swallowing, persistent stomach pain, or nausea? If you have these symptoms, your doctor may recommend an "Upper GI Series"

Well, you might be a little nervous because you don't know what it is. But there's no need to worry. This is actually a very simple, painless test. Let's talk about it all clearly today.

Simply put, what is this Upper GI Series?

This is a really special X-ray test. The X-ray we usually know takes a single still picture. But this one is a little different. It uses a technology called fluoroscopy . Think of it like a regular X-ray is like a photo, but fluoroscopy is like a video. This allows you to see how the organs inside your body are working, that is, how they move, in real-time, that is, at the same time.

Now let's see what the "Upper GI" in this name means. "GI" stands for "Gastrointestinal tract". Simply put, our digestive system . "Upper GI" refers to the upper part of this digestive system. It mainly includes:

• Esophagus: The tube through which food travels when we swallow.
• Stomach: The place where food is stored and digested.
• Duodenum: The first part of the small intestine where food travels after the stomach.

The word "series" means that during this test, a series of X-ray images are taken, like a video. So all of these are combined and called an "Upper GI Series."

Why would a doctor recommend this test?

If you have symptoms related to your upper digestive system, your doctor may recommend this test to help determine the cause. It looks at the inside of your esophagus, stomach, and small intestine, to see if there are any changes in their tissue, any abnormalities in their shape, and to see if they are functioning properly. This test is usually used as a first step in finding the cause.

What diseases can be detected by this test?

This test can provide information about many things. The doctor can look at your internal organs and determine if there is a problem.

Let's see what the main problems are that can be identified from the table below.

What is the difference between an Upper GI Series and an Endoscopy?

You may have also heard of an endoscopy . Although both look at the upper part of the digestive system, these two tests are completely different.

• Upper GI Series: This is a non-invasive test. This means that no instruments are inserted into the body. X-rays are directed from outside to take pictures of the inside.
• Endoscopy: This is an invasive test. Here, a thin, flexible tube with a camera attached is inserted through the mouth and used to look directly at the inside of the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. You are usually anesthetized for this. The advantage of endoscopy is that if there is a suspicious area, a piece of tissue (biopsy) can be taken for examination.

Simply put, an Upper GI Series is like looking at a house from the outside. An Endoscopy is like going inside the house and looking from room to room. Therefore, doctors will first do an Upper GI Series and, if it appears that there is a problem, recommend an Endoscopy to confirm it.

Why is this liquid called 'Barium' given to drink?

In X-ray images, solid objects like our bones show up clearly in white. But organs made of soft tissue like the esophagus and stomach don't show up as clearly.

To get clear pictures of these organs, a substance called barium is used. This is called a contrast agent . Imagine that you are coloring something in white to make it stand out better in a black and white picture. Barium does something similar.

When you drink this barium liquid, it coats the inside walls of your esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. Then, when you take an X-ray, the areas where the barium is coated show up very clearly in white. Then, you can easily identify the shape of those organs, any injuries, or lumps that may be present.

This barium liquid is a bit thick and has a chalky taste, but it's usually not too unpleasant to drink because it's usually flavoured with flavouring.

How should you prepare before the test?

Your stomach must be completely empty before this test. Otherwise, the images will not be clear due to food. So be sure to follow these steps.

• Food and Drink: Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before the test. It is not recommended to drink even water.
• Medications: Talk to your doctor about any medications you normally take. Some medications (especially those for gastritis) may need to be stopped the day before the test.
• Pregnancy: This is extremely important . If you are pregnant or have any suspicions that you are pregnant, you should definitely tell your doctor and the staff performing the X-ray . This test is not performed on pregnant women because the X-ray radiation can be harmful to the baby in the womb.
• Other medical conditions: If you have kidney disease, diabetes, or other serious medical conditions, inform your doctor in advance.

What happens during the test?

Although I was a little nervous about the test, it was actually a painless process.

1. First, you will be given a hospital gown to wear.

2. Then you will be taken to the X-ray room. There is a special bed that can be tilted back and forth, raised and lowered.

3. You will be made to stand or lie down on the bed and secured to the bed with straps.

4. Then you will be given a barium solution to drink. You may have to drink both a thicker and a thinner solution.

5. While you drink the barium, the radiologist turns on the X-ray machine and watches the liquid move down your esophagus on a screen.

6. The bed you are lying on will be turned and tilted to ensure the barium is spread evenly. Sometimes you will be asked to turn into different positions. Sometimes your abdomen may be gently pressed.

7. This entire process can usually take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on how quickly the barium travels through your body.

What happens after the test? Are there any risks?

You can eat and drink normally after the test, but you can expect a few minor discomforts.

• Stool color: Since barium is not absorbed by the body, it is excreted in the stool. So your stool may be white or light-colored for a day or two after the test. This is normal, don't worry.
• Constipation: Barium can cause constipation in some people. To prevent this , drink plenty of water . It is very important to drink at least 2-3 liters of water per day. If you do not pass stool after two or three days, talk to your doctor.
• Radiation Exposure: X-rays are radiation. However, the dose of radiation used in this test is very low and is considered safe. However, even this small dose is not suitable for pregnant women.
• Allergy: Allergy to barium is very rare. If it does occur, there are facilities at the hospital to treat it.

This test does not pose any serious risks to a generally healthy person. However, it is not suitable for people with kidney disease, severe constipation, or pregnant women.

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