Barium Swallow
A barium swallow is a fluoroscopy test used to look at how the throat and esophagus handle swallowed contrast.
When to get help quickly: The test itself is not usually urgent, but the reason for it may need prompt review if swallowing is rapidly worsening, there is choking, or weight loss is occurring.
Common symptoms
Doctors usually request this test for difficulty swallowing, repeated choking, food coming back up, longstanding reflux symptoms, or a feeling that something is stuck in the throat or chest.
When imaging helps
It helps show narrowing, pouches, abnormal movement, reflux, and whether swallowed material is going down the right way.
What radiology does
It helps show narrowing, pouches, reflux patterns, aspiration, or abnormal swallowing mechanics.
What usually happens next
The result may guide gastroenterology, ENT, swallowing therapy, or further endoscopic evaluation.
Need this done?
See which centers in Lagos offer it.
Related scan guides
- Barium SwallowA Barium Swallow is a special X-ray procedure used to examine the upper part of your digestive system, specifically the throat (pharynx), food pipe (esophagus), and sometimes the upper stomach. It helps doctors see...
- Barium EnemaA Barium Enema (also called a Lower GI Series) is a special X-ray examination used to visualize the large intestine (colon) and rectum. It helps detect problems such as inflammation, narrowing, diverticula, or tumors...
- Barium Follow-ThroughA Barium Follow-Through (also called Small Bowel Follow-Through) is a special X-ray examination used to assess the small intestine — the long, coiled part of the digestive tract between the stomach and large intestine. It...