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An upper gastrointestinal series, also called a barium swallow, barium study, or barium meal, is a series of radiographs used to examine the gastrointestinal tract for abnormalities. A contrast medium , usually a radiocontrast agent such as barium sulfate mixed with water, is ingested or instilled into the gastrointestinal tract, and X-rays are ...
However, when present, symptoms may include difficulty swallowing , pain while swallowing (odynophagia), cough or globus sensation. [1] Whether esophageal inlet patches may cause other symptoms, such as chronic cough or laryngitis, is unclear. [1] Occasionally, esophageal inlet patches may be seen during a barium esophagram. [3]
Esophagitis can be diagnosed by upper endoscopy, biopsy, upper GI series (or barium swallow), and laboratory tests. [4] An upper endoscopy is a procedure to look at the esophagus by using an endoscope. While looking at the esophagus, the doctor is able to take a small biopsy. The biopsy can be used to confirm inflammation of the esophagus.
The use of barium during pregnancy is safe for the baby; however, X-rays may result in harm. [4] Barium sulfate suspension is typically made by mixing barium sulfate powder with water. [1] It is a non-iodinated contrast media. [5] Barium sulfate has been known since the Middle Ages. [6] In the United States it had come into common medical use ...
Although age-related changes place older adults at risk swallowing disorders, an older adult's swallow is not necessarily an impaired swallow. Clinicians are becoming more aware of the need to distinguish among swallowing disorders, presbyphagia (an old yet healthy swallow) and other related diagnoses in order to avoid over diagnosing and over ...
a barium swallow may be performed before endoscopy to help identify abnormalities that might increase the risk of perforation at the time of endoscopy. If achalasia suspected an upper endoscopy is required to exclude a malignancy as a cause of the findings on barium swallow. Manometry is performed next to confirm.
Upper gastrointestinal bleeding then is reported, and is very commonly represented in elderly patients. [4] Black or bloody stools and hematemesis account for over three quarters of the case presentations. Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and unstable vital signs are common.
A hiatal hernia or hiatus hernia [2] is a type of hernia in which abdominal organs (typically the stomach) slip through the diaphragm into the middle compartment of the chest. [1] [3] This may result in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) with symptoms such as a taste of acid in the back of the mouth or heartburn.