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-ray 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.
A barium swallow is generally a safe test, but like any procedure, there are occasionally complications. Your doctor should be advised of problems so you can be treated right away. Following are some of these complications:
Printer-Friendly Format | | | Email to a Friend |
Find out what women really need.
Electronic Medical Test Results
Imagine going to the ER with a high fever, having a bunch of tests and before you can drive back to your doctor's office, he has the results. See more WebMD Videos »