BARIUM X-RAYS

What are Barium X-rays?

Barium x-rays (also called upper and lower gastrointestinal (GI) series) are used to diagnose abnormalities, such as tumors, polyps, hernias, strictures, ulcers and other inflammatory conditions. The barium is administered orally or by enema, and x-rays are taken of the area under examination.

Reasons for performing barium x-ray procedures may include the following:

●Abdominal pain
●Bleeding from the rectum
●Blood in the vomit
●Bowel movement changes
●Chronic diarrhea or constipation
●Pain or difficulty swallowing
●Unexplained weight loss
●Unusual bloating

Different Types of Barium X-ray Procedures:

●Barium Enema - to evaluate large intestine
●Small Bowel Follow Through (Small Bowel Series) - to evaluate small intestine
●Upper Gastrointestinal (GI) Series - to evaluate esophagus, stomach and duodenum
●Barium Swallow - to evaluate esophagus
●Modified Barium Swallow - to evaluate esophagus with Speech Pathologist present during exam