Upper gastrointestinal series
(Redirected from Barium swallow)
Upper Gastrointestinal Series[edit | edit source]
The Upper Gastrointestinal Series (UH-per GAS-troh-in-TES-tih-nul SEER-eez), often referred to as the upper GI series, is a diagnostic imaging procedure that involves capturing a series of x-ray pictures of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (the initial segment of the small intestine).
Procedure[edit | edit source]
During the test, the patient is required to consume a liquid solution that contains barium sulfate. This compound is a derivative of the silver-white metallic element, barium. After ingestion, the barium sulfate functions as a contrast medium, effectively coating the internal lining of the upper gastrointestinal tract. This coating enhances the visibility of the tract's inner walls on the x-ray images, allowing potential abnormalities or issues to be identified with greater clarity.
Purpose[edit | edit source]
The Upper Gastrointestinal Series is utilized to:
- Diagnose abnormalities or diseases in the upper gastrointestinal tract.
- Investigate symptoms like persistent abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or difficulty swallowing.
- Examine conditions such as ulcers, tumors, or inflammation in the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum.
Risks and Considerations[edit | edit source]
While the procedure is generally considered safe, there may be minor side effects related to the consumption of the barium sulfate solution, including constipation or white-colored stools. Patients are advised to increase fluid intake post-procedure to help expel the barium from the system.
See Also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Kondreddy Naveen
