You will be given a thinner barium drink to swallow.You may be asked to hold your breath at certain times during the procedure.As you swallow the barium, the radiologist will take single pictures, a series of X-rays, or a video (fluoroscopy) to observe the barium moving through the pharynx.The barium is usually flavored, although it may not be very pleasant tasting. The radiologist will ask you to take a swallow of a thickened barium drink.You may also be asked to change positions (for example, lying on your side, back, or stomach) at intervals during the procedure. You'll be positioned on an X-ray table that can tilt you from a horizontal to an upright position.

If you're asked to remove clothing, you'll be given a gown to wear.

If you are a woman of childbearing age, you will be asked if you are pregnant. You must tell your radiographer about any medicines you are taking and if you have any allergies, glaucoma or heart disease.

If not, please wait and take any medications after the test. If you usually take medication in the morning, only take it on the morning of the test if essential. Please bring a list of any medications you are taking when you come for your X-ray. If you have diabetes, inform at the time of appointment. You should not eat or drink anything for 6-8 hours before the test. In barium X-rays, fluoroscopy allows the radiologist to see the movement of the barium through the pharynx and esophagus as a person drinks. Fluoroscopy is a study of moving body structures-similar to an X-ray 'movie.' A continuous X-ray beam is passed through the body part being examined, and is transmitted to a TV-like monitor so that the body part and its motion can be seen in detail. A barium swallow may be performed separately or as part of an upper gastrointestinal (UGI) series, which evaluates the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (first part of the small intestine).įluoroscopy is often used during a barium swallow. Barium highlights certain areas in the body to create a clearer picture. The pharynx and esophagus are made visible on X-ray film by a liquid suspension called barium sulfate (barium). A barium swallow is a radiographic (X-ray) examination of the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract, specifically the pharynx (back of mouth and throat) and the esophagus (a hollow tube of muscle extending from below the tongue to the stomach).

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