Barium Swallow
Pre- & Post-Procedure
Instructions
What is a Barium Swallow?
A barium swallow is a radiographic (X-ray) examination of the pharynx (back of
mouth and throat) and the esophagus (the hollow tube of muscle extending
from below the tongue to the stomach). Swallowing a liquid suspension called
barium sulfate (barium) makes the pharynx and esophagus visible on X-ray.
Barium is a dry, white, chalky powder that is mixed with water to make a thick,
milkshake-like drink.
How do I prepare for this procedure?
• Do not eat or drink for 4 hours prior to the procedure.
• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to your exam. You will receive a
gown to wear during the procedure.
• Remove metal objects, including jewelry, eyeglasses, dentures and
hairpins. They may affect the acquired images. Leave them at home or
remove prior to the scan.
What happens during the procedure?
After you swallow the barium drink it will coat the inside walls of the pharynx
and esophagus. This will make the swallowing motion, inside wall lining, and
size and shape of these organs visible on X-ray. As you swallow the barium, the
radiologist will take single pictures, a series of X-rays, or a video (fluoroscopy)
to observe the barium moving through the esophagus. Depending upon the
patient, the exam typically takes 1 hour or less from the time of your
appointment to finishing the exam.
Department of Radiology
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What happens after my procedure?
• You will have no restrictions and be able to go home directly after the
procedure.
• Drink plenty of fluids to help flush the barium out of your system.
• A mild laxative such as a single dose of Milk of Magnesia will help clear
the barium from your intestine.
• The barium may make your stool white for several days.
Who should I call if I have questions?
• During office hours (Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.) call the
Department of Radiology at: 734-936-4500. You may also call the doctor
or clinic who ordered this test for you.
• After hours, holidays, and on weekends call Hospital Paging at (734) 936-
6267 and ask for the Radiology Resident on call.
Disclaimer: This document contains information and/or instructional materials developed
by the University of Michigan Health System (UMHS) for the typical patient with your
condition. It may include links to online content that was not created by UMHS and for
which UMHS does not assume responsibility. It does not replace medical advice from your
health care provider because your experience may differ from that of the typical patient.
Talk to your health care provider if you have any questions about this document, your
condition or your treatment plan.
Authors: Erin Larowe & Mark B. Orringer, MD
Patient Education by University of Michigan Health System is licensed under a Creative Commons
Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License. Last Revised 12/2016
Department of Radiology
Barium Swallow Pre & Post Procedure Instructions
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