A Barium Swallow

What is a barium swallow?

• A barium swallow is an examination where you drink a barium liquid that shows up on an X-ray
• The X-rays are taken as this liquid passes from the mouth and throat down the oesophagus (gullet)
• This allows us to record you swallowing to help us with our diagnosis

Who will I see?

• A consultant radiologist (a doctor who specialises in X-ray procedures) will carry out the examination
• A radiographer or technician will also be there

Is it safe?

• As with any X-ray, there's always a risk but it's considered to be low for this procedure. If you're pregnant or think you may be pregnant you should tell the radiology department before the examination
• Also, please let the radiology department know if you've had a similar X-ray within the last six months

Do I need an injection?

• No, you'll not need to have an injection

Before the examination

• Please make sure you don’t eat or drink anything for six hours before the examination
• Please let us know about any special needs you have - for example, if you need wheelchair access, you're hard of hearing or you have poor eyesight
• If you're diabetic, please contact the radiology department for advice

What happens during my appointment?

• When you arrive you should go to the reception desk - please bring your appointment letter which may have details of who to ask for
• The radiographer or another member of staff will meet you and explain the procedure to you
• We'll ask you to change into a hospital gown
• We'll put your clothes and any personal items, such as jewellery, in a locker or a tray that you can keep with you
• Once you're in the X-ray room we'll ask you to drink a liquid known as barium, which is similar to Gaviscon
• The radiologist may ask you to stand and turn in front of the X-ray machine so that all of your throat and oesophagus (gullet) can be seen
• The radiographer will be able to see and hear you at all times

Will it be uncomfortable?

• The examination is painless, but you may feel bloated afterwards and have no appetite due to the barium
• These feelings will soon pass as the barium works its way through your system

How long will it take?

• The examination will take around 30 minutes, but you should allow up to two hours for your appointment

After the examination

• You should drink at least eight glasses of non-alcoholic fluid over the 24-hour period after your examination. This will help to prevent constipation
• You can eat and drink normally after your examination
• You can drive home afterwards and return to work if you need to

Are there any side effects?

• Your faeces (bowel movements) are likely to be white-greyish in colour for a couple of days

When will I get the results?

• One of our radiologists will speak to your doctor or consultant and decide the best course of treatment
• We'll keep your details confidential
• If your doctor, your consultant or our radiologist think you should have extra examinations we'll arrange this for you

Can I bring a relative or friend?

• Yes, but they'll only be allowed into the examination room in special circumstances - this is for safety reasons
• Children won't be allowed into the room while you're having the examination, so you should make arrangements for them before your appointment

Learn more

• What is an x-ray? - find out here
• AMTV: Patient Channel - browse our patient video gallery here
• Scan Dictionary - an A-Z of common terms
• Find your location - find your location here
• Arrange a scan - if you'd like to arrange a scan for yourself, find out more here
• Got a question, query or concern? Just contact us, we'd be delighted to help