What is the preparation for a barium swallow?
What is the preparation for a barium swallow?
You will need to stop eating and drinking for about 8 hours before the swallowing test. Generally, this means after midnight. Tell your provider if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant before scheduling a barium swallow test.
What are the indications for barium swallow?
However, there remain many indications for a barium swallow including:
- high or low dysphagia.
- gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD/GERD)
- assessment of a hiatus hernia.
- generalized epigastric pain.
- globus pharyngeus.
- persistent vomiting.
- assessment of fistula.
- inability to pass the endoscope during UGIE.
What machine is used for barium swallow?
A continuous X-ray beam, called a fluoroscopy, is often used during a barium swallow to capture movement through your GI tract.
What is barium swallow with marshmallow?
An alternative method for monitoring esophageal muscle movement is to have the patient swallow a barium-soaked marshmallow followed by a barium-soaked bagel portion. When the patient swallows the items, the surgeon tracks the movement through the gastroesophageal junction.
Does a barium swallow make you sick?
Patients may feel nauseous after a barium swallow test or become constipated. Drinking lots of fluids can help to relieve constipation. Symptoms of nausea should improve as the barium passes through the system.
Can you drive after a barium swallow test?
You should not drive immediately after the procedure because some of the drugs can affect vision. You may feel a bit ill after the procedure and can be quite constipated for several days. You should drink lots of fluid and eat lots of fruit to minimise the constipation.
Can you drive yourself home after a barium swallow?
The procedure should not be painful but some patients may find it uncomfortable due to the gas causing an urge to burp. After the procedure you can normally go home promptly and resume normal activities and diet. You should not drive immediately after the procedure because some of the drugs can affect vision.
