Barium Swallow

Your doctor has told you and your family that you need to have a special test called a barium swallow (bear-ree-um suaa-lo). A barium swallow is a special test that checks on your throat, stomach and small bowel by taking an X-Ray after you have a special drink. It does not hurt.

Getting Ready

A barium swallow is done in the Radiology Department. A member of your family can stay with you. You will only be allowed to have clear juice or water four hours before the test. You can eat when the barium swallow is done.

You will change into a johnny and you can leave on your underwear. You will drink a cup or two of a flavored white drink during the test. It tastes a little like a milkshake. The doctor will use a special camera to watch the white drink go down your throat and into your stomach. Sometimes you need to wait a little while so the white drink can go to your small bowel. You might like to bring a book or magazine with you to keep busy while we wait. The camera will be next to you but will not touch you. When the doctor is done taking the X-ray pictures, you can get dressed in your own shirt and leave with your family.

Special Words

Barium Swallow: A special test that takes a picture of you while you are drinking a white drink that tastes like a milkshake.

Radiology Department: The place in the hospital where a barium swallow is done.

Throat: The part of your body that food goes through on its way to your stomach.

Stomach: The part of your body where food is held while it is being digested or used by your body.

Small Bowel: The part of your body that your stomach empties the digested food into as it travels through your body.

X-ray: A picture of the inside of your body. It does not hurt.

Johnny: A special shirt you wear during the Barium Swallow.

If you or your family have any questions, call the Radiology Department at (860) 545-9122.