Esophagram/Barium Swallow

An Esophagram/Barium Swallow is an x-ray exam of your upper digestive tract (the area from your mouth to the start of your stomach). This test helps your doctor find problems such as ulcers, tumors and certain diseases.

Preparation

• Arrive 15 minutes prior to exam with a prescription if your doctor has given you one.
• Patients should consult their physician with regard to any oral medication prior to this exam.
• Adults: Nothing to eat or drink (including water) 6 hours prior to the exam. No gum chewing or hard candy. Avoid smoking after midnight the day prior to the exam. Bring a list of current medications.
• Children (>2 years): Do not eat solid foods after midnight the day prior to exam. You may have clear liquids up to 5 hours prior to the exam. Nothing to eat or drink (including water) 5 hours prior to the exam. No gum chewing or hard candy.
• Infants: It is important that the baby is ready and wanting to drink. Bring bottle the infant will drink from. Nothing to eat or drink 3 hours prior to the exam. 

Procedure

• You will drink barium (a liquid that improves x-ray images).
• You also may swallow air crystals, a substance that makes air build up in your stomach. Do not burp, even if you feel you have to.
• You may need to stand or lie in different positions.
• You will be asked to hold your breath for a short time during the x-ray.
• This procedure will take approximately 30 minutes.

Considerations

• If you are also having a Barium Enema performed, this exam must be done at least five days after.