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Upper GI or Barium Swallow

University of Iowa Department of Radiology, Section of Pediatric Radiology

Peer Review Status: Internally Peer Reviewed
Creation Date: Unknown
Last Revision Date: Unknown

An Upper GI or Barium Swallow are X-ray examinations of the esophagus and stomach with Barium. The Radiologist, assisted by the Technologist, studies the function of the GI tract under fluoroscopy by watching how the child swallows and how the stomach fills and empties. Radiographs are obtained throughout the procedure and usually one or two radiographs are taken at the end of the fluoroscopic part of the examination. Infants are given the barium through a baby bottle or, in some cases, a small nasogastric tube is inserted into the stomach for better control of the barium flow. This does not hurt the infant since he or she has not totally developed the gag reflex that is present in older patients. Older children drink the barium from a glass or cup.

See related Patient Textbooks about Radiology.

See related Patient Topics Diagnostic Imaging, Procedures and Therapies or Radiology.

See related Provider Textbooks about Radiology.

See related Provider Topics Diagnostic Imaging, Procedures and Therapies or Radiology.

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