Barium Swallow and Meals
Both barium swallows and barium meals are investigations of the upper gastrointestinal tract using a contrast substance called barium which shows up on X-ray. Barium is a chalky mixture which needs to be swallowed in order to slowly pass through the stomach and into the bowel and creating a coating on the inner wall of the gastrointestinal tract.
A series of X-rays are then taken to allow the doctor to identify areas of abnormality such as tumours, inflammation or ulcers.
A barium swallow examines the oesophagus (the first part of the gastrointestinal tract where food passes when it is swallowed) to identify any reflux (movement of food in the wrong direction that can cause indigestion) or abnormal motility.
A Barium meal on the other hand examines the stomach and duodenum (first section of the small intestine) to investigate causes of bleeding, vomiting or severe upper abdominal pain.
Available at: St John of God - Geelong.