Barium Esophagram
A
barium esophagram or swallow is used as an initial diagnostic test for several
esophageal conditions such as Barrett's esophagus, dysphagia (difficulty
swallowing) as well as complications such as stricture, obstruction, narrowing,
ulcers and tumors. During this procedure, the patient swallow barium, a while,
chalky substance, which can then be viewed via x-ray. Using this procedure the
physician can view many abnormalities associated with the esophagus. The
disadvantage of this procedure is that it can miss smaller ulcers and tumors.
This test is also not very effective for diagnosing gastroesophageal reflux
associated with GERD. Approximately, 40% of the time, reflux my occur in normal
patients, while those suffering from GERD will not have reflux during the
procedure.
