![]() While many patients report that swallowing the barium is unpleasant, no instruments are inserted into the body. The main advantage of a barium swallow is that it is less invasive because it’s a special type of X-ray. Should I Get a Barium Swallow or an Endoscopy for Upper GI Problems? Muscle disorders that cause spasms or problems with swallowing.What is a Barium Swallow Used to Diagnose?Ī barium swallow can help diagnose a number of conditions, including: Esophagrams are the X-ray images produced by a barium swallow test. Esophagramīarium swallows are also known as esophagram procedures. The procedure produces detailed images of the linings of the tract and can provide insight into the motion of your swallowing. The barium coats the surface of your upper GI tract and appears white on X-rays. This includes your pharynx (the back of your mouth and throat), esophagus (the tube that starts behind your tongue and runs down to your stomach), stomach, and the first part of your small intestine, which is called the duodenum. This exam is used to provide images of your GI tract. Gastrointestinal disorders (celiac disease or Crohn’s disease)Ī barium swallow is an X-ray procedure in which you swallow a chalky, white substance called barium that is typically a thick drink with the consistency of a milkshake.Infections, inflammation, or allergic conditions of the esophagus (esophagitis, gastritis, and duodenitis).Gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD (acid reflux) and heartburn.Your doctor may order an endoscopy if you have ![]() EGD stands for esophagogastroduodenoscopy. EGD is another name for the same procedure. You will sometimes see endoscopies referred to as EGDs. What is the difference between EGD and endoscopy? An endoscopy is another term for an EGD procedure. Attached to the scope are forceps and scissors, which allow the removal of tissue for further examination and biopsy if appropriate. The scope allows your doctor to see interior structures in much greater detail than an X-ray. In the case of an upper GI endoscopy, a specialized flexible tube with a light and camera attached to it is inserted through your mouth and down into your GI tract. What Is an Endoscopy?Īn endoscopy allows surgeons to see problems inside your body without having to make surgical incisions. More difficult-to-diagnose procedures may require endoscopy, which is an invasive procedure requiring the insertion of a small camera into the upper GI. A barium swallow enables your physician to diagnose relatively simple medical conditions solely through the use of X-rays. While they are related in their goal of helping your doctor assess areas and structures in your digestive tract that cannot be viewed externally, they are very different processes. Two procedures used to examine the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract are a barium swallow and an endoscopy.
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