What Are Barium X-Rays?

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