What is a barium swallow test?
A barium swallow test (Cine esophagram, swallowing study, Esophagography) is a special type of imaging test that uses barium and X-rays to create images of your upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Your upper GI tract includes the back of your mouth and throat (pharynx) and your esophagus.

Barium is used during a swallowing test to make certain areas of the body show up more clearly on an X-ray. The radiologist will be able to see size and shape of the pharynx and esophagus. He or she will also be able see how you swallow. These details might not be seen on a standard X-ray. Barium is used only for imaging tests for the GI tract.

A barium swallow test may be used by itself or as part of an upper GI series. This series looks at your esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine (duodenum).

Fluoroscopy is often used during a barium swallow test. Fluoroscopy is a kind of X-ray “movie.”

Why is a swallow test done?
A barium swallow test may be done to look for and diagnose problems in the pharynx and esophagus. You may need a barium swallow test if your healthcare provider thinks that you have:

Cancer of the head and neck , pharynx, or esophagus

Hiatal hernia . This means that your stomach has moved up into or alongside the esophagus.

Structural problems, such as pouches (diverticula), narrowing (strictures), or growths (polyps)

Enlarged veins (esophageal varices)

Muscle disorders, such as difficulty swallowing ( dysphagia ) or spasms

Achalasia . This is a condition in which the lower esophageal sphincter muscle doesn't relax and allow food to pass into the stomach.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and ulcers

Your healthcare provider may have other reasons to recommend a barium swallow test.

What are the risks of a barium swallow test?
The risks of a barium swallow test may include problems from radiation exposure, birth defects and intestinal issues. You should ask your healthcare provider about the risks as they apply to you.

How can I manage my X-ray exposure?
You may want to ask your healthcare provider about the amount of radiation used during the swallowing test. Consider writing down all X-rays you get, including past scans and X-rays for other health reasons. Show this list to your provider. The risks of radiation exposure may be tied to the number of X-rays you have and the X-ray treatments you have over time.

How will a barium swallow test affect my stool?
You may have constipation or impacted stool after the swallowing test if all of the barium does not pass out of your body.

Is it safe to have a barium swallow test while pregnant?
You should also not have a barium swallow test if you are pregnant. Radiation exposure during pregnancy may lead to birth defects. Tell your provider if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant.

When should I avoid a barium swallow test?
You should avoid a barium swallow test if you have any of the following:

A tear or hole in your esophagus or intestines (perforation)

Blockage in your intestines or severe constipation

Severe problems with swallowing. This makes it more likely that barium would accidentally go into your lungs (aspiration).

You may have other risks depending on your specific health condition. Tell your provider if you are allergic to or sensitive to medicines, contrast dyes, local anesthesia, iodine, or latex. Be sure to talk with your provider about any concerns you have before the procedure.

How do I prepare for a barium swallow test?
You can prepare for a barium swallow test by considering the following:

Your healthcare provider will explain the barium swallow test to you. Ask him or her any questions you have about the swallowing test.

You may be asked to sign a consent form that gives permission to do the swallowing test. Read the form carefully and ask questions if anything is not clear.

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.

Tell your provider if you are sensitive to or are allergic to any medicines, latex, tape, or anesthetic medicines (local and general) before scheduling a swallowing test.

Tell your provider about all medicines you are taking. This includes prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal supplements. You may need to stop taking these before the swallowing test.

Tell your healthcare provider if you have had a recent barium swallow or upper GI test. This may make it harder to get good X-rays of the lower GI area during a barium swallow test.

Follow any other instructions your provider gives you to get ready for the swallowing test.

What does a barium swallow test involve?
Generally, a barium swallow test involves the following process:

You'll be asked to remove any clothing, jewelry, or other objects that may get in the way of the swallowing test.

You may be asked to remove clothing. If so, you will be given a gown to wear.

You will lie on an X-ray table that can move you from a horizontal to an upright position. You may also be asked to change positions during the swallowing test. For example, you may need to lie on your side, back, or stomach.

The radiologist may take X-rays of your chest and belly (abdomen) first.

The radiologist will ask you to take a swallow of a thick, chalky barium drink. The barium is usually flavored, but it may not taste very good.

As you swallow the barium, the radiologist will take single pictures, a series of X-rays, or fluoroscopy to watch the barium moving through your mouth and throat.

You may be asked to hold your breath at certain times during the test.

You will be given a thinner barium drink to swallow. The radiologist will use X-rays or fluoroscopy to watch the barium go down your esophagus. You may also be asked to swallow a barium tablet. This is a small pill that can help to show certain problems in the esophagus.

Once the radiologist has taken all of the X-rays, you'll be helped from the table.

A barium swallow test may be performed as an outpatient procedure or as part of your stay in a hospital. The way the test is done may vary depending on your condition and your healthcare provider's practices.

What happens after a barium swallow test?
You may go back to your normal diet and activities after a barium swallow test, unless your healthcare provider tells you otherwise.

How do I manage constipation after a swallowing test?
Barium may cause constipation or impacted stool after the swallowing test if it isn't completely cleared from your body. You can manage constipation by drinking plenty of fluids and eating foods high in fiber to help the rest of the barium leave your body. You may also be given a laxative to help with this.

Your bowel movements may be white or lighter in color until all the barium has left your body.

Barium Swallow Test

What Is a Barium Swallow?
A barium swallow is a test that may be used to determine the cause of painful swallowing, difficulty with swallowing, abdominal pain, bloodstained vomit, or unexplained weight loss.
Barium sulfate is a metallic compound that shows up on X-rays and is used to help see abnormalities in the esophagus and stomach. When taking the test, you drink a preparation containing this solution. The X-rays track its path through your digestive system.
These problems can be detected with a barium swallow:
Narrowing or irritation of the esophagus (for example, Schatski's ring)
Disorders of swallowing (dysphagia - difficulty swallowing), spasms of the esophagus or pharynx
Hiatal hernia (an internal defect that causes the stomach to slide partially into the chest)
Abnormally enlarged veins in the esophagus (varices) that cause bleeding
Ulcers
Tumors
Polyps (growths that are usually not cancerous, but develop into cancer)
Gastroesophageal reflux disease



What to expect during a barium swallow?
A barium swallow is a type of test used to look inside the esophagus, or food pipe. A doctor might recommend this test if they need to look at the outline of any part of a person's digestive system.
Barium is a white liquid that is visible on X-rays. Barium passes through the digestive system and does not cause a person any harm.
As it passes through the body, barium coats the inside of the food pipe, stomach, or bowel, causing the outlines of the organs to appear on X-ray.




Why are barium swallow tests used?
A barium swallow test may be used if someone has any of the following conditions:
frequent, painful heartburn
gastric reflux, where food or acid keeps coming back up the food pipe
difficulty eating, drinking, or swallowing
This test can give a doctor information about how the person is swallowing.
It can also reveal if someone has any of the following in their food pipe, stomach, or the first part of the bowel:
ulcers
abnormal growths
blockages
narrowing
If someone has a tumor, this will show up on the X-ray as an irregular outline that extends from the wall of the affected organ.



Procedure
People who are undergoing a barium swallow should not eat or drink for a few hours before the test. In some cases, the doctor may ask the person to stop taking medication before the test.
Some hospitals recommend not chewing gum, eating mints, or smoking cigarettes after midnight the night before a barium swallow test.
The test takes around 60 minutes and will take place in the X-ray department of the hospital. A person will need to change into a hospital gown.
People can bring a friend or relative for support. However, the companion will not be able to join them in the X-ray room.
In the X-ray room, the person drinks the barium liquid. It often has a chalky taste but can sometimes be flavored.
In some cases, a person will be given an injection to relax their stomach.
A person will be standing for some parts of the examination, and lying down on a tilting table for other parts. This allows the liquid to travel through the body, and for the radiologist and radiographer to take a selection of images.
People do not have to stay in hospital after the test and are free to go home as soon as it is complete. The results usually arrive within 1-2 weeks.



Risks and side effects
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.
It is normal for people to have white-colored stools the first few times they use the toilet after having a barium swallow test.
Some people might worry about being exposed to radiation as part of the X-ray process. However, the amount of radiation a person is exposed to is minimal.
Sometimes, the injection given to relax the stomach can cause temporary blurred vision.


बेरियम स्वालोव चाचणी

बेरियम स्वालोव चाचणी काय आहे?
एक बेरियम स्वालोव ही एक चाचणी आहे ज्याचा उपयोग वेदनादायक गिळण्याची कारण, गिळताना अडचण, ओटीपोटात वेदना, रक्तस्त्राव होणारा उलट्या किंवा अवांछित वजन कमी होण्याचे कारण असू शकते.
बेरियम सल्फेट एक धातू मिश्रण आहे जो एक्स-रेवर दर्शवितो आणि एसोफॅगस आणि पोटातील असामान्यता पाहण्यासाठी मदत करण्यासाठी वापरला जातो. चाचणी घेताना, आपण या सोल्यूशनसह एक तयारी करता. एक्स-रे आपल्या पाचन तंत्राद्वारे मार्ग शोधतात.
बेरियम गिळताना ही समस्या आढळू शकते:
एसोफॅगसचे संकोचन किंवा जळजळ (उदाहरणार्थ, स्कात्स्कीची अंगठी)
निगलनाच्या विकार (डिसफॅगिया - गिळताना त्रास देणे), एसोफॅगस किंवा पॅरेंक्सचे स्पॅम
हायटाल हर्निया (एक अंतर्गत दोष जो पेट्याला आंशिकपणे छातीमध्ये स्लाइड करतो)
रक्तस्त्राव होण्याच्या कारणांमुळे ऍसोफॅगस (वारिसेस) मध्ये असामान्यपणे वाढलेले नसलेले
अल्सर
ट्यूमर
पॉलीप्स (सामान्यपणे कर्करोग नसलेली वाढ, परंतु कर्करोगात विकसित होते)
गॅस्ट्रोसोफेजल रीफ्लक्स रोग

एक बेरियम स्वालोव दरम्यान अपेक्षा काय?
एक बेरियम स्वालोव एसोफॅगस किंवा फूड पाईपमध्ये दिसण्यासाठी वापरली जाणारी एक प्रकारची चाचणी आहे. एखाद्या व्यक्तीच्या पाचन तंत्राच्या कोणत्याही भागाची बाह्यरेखा पाहण्याची आवश्यकता असल्यास डॉक्टर या चाचणीची शिफारस करू शकतात.
बेरियम हा एक पांढरा द्रव आहे जो क्ष-किरणांवर दिसतो. बेरियम शरीरातून जात असताना, पाचन तंत्राद्वारे जातो आणि एखाद्या व्यक्तीला कोणताही त्रास होत नाही. बेरियम कॉट्स अन्न पाईप, पोट किंवा आंत्राचे आतडे असतात ज्यामुळे एक्स-रेवर अवयव दिसू लागतात.

बेरियम गिळण्याची चाचणी का वापरली जाते?
एखाद्यास खालीलपैकी कोणतीही अट असल्यास एखाद्या बेरियम गिळण्याची चाचणी वापरली जाऊ शकते:
वेदनादायक गिळणे
गॅस्ट्रिक रीफ्लक्स, जेथे अन्न किंवा ऍसिड अन्न पाईपचा बॅकअप परत ठेवत असतो
खाणे, पिणे किंवा गिळताना त्रास देणे
ही चाचणी व्यक्ती कशा प्रकारे गिळू शकते याविषयी डॉक्टरांची माहिती देऊ शकते.
एखाद्याने त्यांच्या अन्न पाईप, पोट किंवा आंत्र्याच्या पहिल्या भागामध्ये खालीलपैकी कोणतेही असल्यास खालील प्रकट केले जाऊ शकते:
अल्सर
असामान्य वाढ
अडथळे
संकुचित
जर एखाद्याला ट्यूमर असेल तर ते एक्स-रे वर एक अनियमित बाह्यरेखा म्हणून दर्शविले जाईल जो प्रभावित शरीराच्या भिंतीपासून विस्तारित होतो.

प्रक्रिया
जे लोक बरीअम गिळून जात आहेत त्यांनी चाचणीपूर्वी काही तास खाणे किंवा पिणे टाळावे . काही प्रकरणांमध्ये, डॉक्टर त्या व्यक्तीस चाचणीपूर्वी औषधोपचार थांबविण्यास सांगू शकतो.
काही हॉस्पिटल बेरियम गळती चाचणीपूर्वी रात्रीच्या मध्यरात्री नंतर च्यूइंग गम, खाणे, किंवा सिगारेट धूम्रपान करणे याबद्दल सल्ला देतात.
चाचणी सुमारे 60 मिनिटे घेईल आणि हॉस्पिटलच्या एक्स-रे विभागामध्ये होईल. एखाद्या व्यक्तीला हॉस्पिटल गाउनमध्ये बदलण्याची आवश्यकता असेल.
लोक सपोर्टसाठी मित्र किंवा नातेवाईक आणू शकतात. तथापि, एक्स-रे रूममध्ये सहकर्मी त्यांच्यात सामील होऊ शकणार नाही.
क्ष-किरण खोलीत, व्यक्ती बेरियम द्रव पितो. बऱ्याचदा चॉकलेटचा स्वाद असतो परंतु कधीकधी ते चवदार असू शकतात.
काही प्रकरणांमध्ये, एखाद्या व्यक्तीला पोट शिंपण्यासाठी इंजेक्शन देण्यात येईल.
परीक्षणाच्या काही भागांसाठी एक माणूस उभा राहील आणि इतर भागांसाठी टिल्टिंग टेबलवर पडलेला असेल. हे द्रव शरीराच्या माध्यमातून प्रवास करण्यास आणि रेडिओलॉजिस्ट आणि रेडियोग्राफरसाठी प्रतिमा निवडण्यासाठी परवानगी देते.
चाचणीनंतर लोकांना रुग्णालयात राहावे लागणार नाही आणि ते पूर्ण झाल्यानंतर घरी जाण्यासाठी मोकळे आहे. परिणाम 1-2 आठवड्यांच्या आत येतात.

धोके आणि साइड इफेक्ट्स
बेरियम गळती चाचणीनंतर किंवा मळमळ झाल्यानंतर रुग्ण मळमळ अनुभवू शकतात. भरपूर द्रवपदार्थ पिण्यास कब्ज दूर करण्यात मदत होऊ शकते. बेरियम सिस्टीममधून जात असल्याने मळमळचे लक्षणे सुधारले पाहिजेत.
बेरियम गळती चाचणीनंतर शौचालय वापरताना पहिल्या काही वेळा पांढऱ्या रंगाचा मल दिसतो .
एक्स-रे प्रक्रियेचा भाग म्हणून काही लोक किरणे प्रदर्शनास सामोरे जाण्याची चिंता करतात. तथापि, एखादी व्यक्ती उघडकीस आणलेली किरणे किती कमी आहे.
कधीकधी, पोट शिंपण्यासाठी दिलेल्या इंजेक्शनमुळे तात्पुरते अस्पष्ट दृष्टी होऊ शकते.