X-Ray Barium Swallow (Child) Test

Paediatric Barium Swallow is a diagnostic test to examine a child’s oesophagus, stomach and duodenum, which is the first part of the small intestine. This test is suggested when the child has symptoms of abdominal pain, weight loss, diarrhoea, difficulty in swallowing or other symptoms that are affecting the digestive system. The oesophagus, stomach, and duodenum are collectively called the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract or upper digestive system. Barium, a chalky white substance is used in the detection of the passage of the meal through the upper GI tract. Therefore, this test is also referred as Upper GI Series or a Barium Meal.

Following steps need to be taken before the Barium Swallow test Talk to the doctor or radiologist and understand the procedure. Talk to your child about the procedure. Based on the age of your child, the doctor will advise the duration the child has to fast prior to the test. Discuss any medications that the child is taking with the doctor and follow the advice. Make the child wear comfortable clothing and remove any jewellery or other metal items on your child. Discuss what care is required after the test is conducted and if a Barium Follow Through test is required.

A barium swallow test is a safe uncomplicated test for studying the functioning of the digestive system. It helps in identifying abnormalities such as any obstructions, ulcers of the oesophagus, stomach or small intestine, or irregularities in the swallowing mechanism. Remedial measures can be taken based on the results of the test. The doctor may sometimes suggest a Barium ‘Follow Through’ test, which will study the passage of barium until it passes out of the digestive system. Intake of a lot of fluids is advised to remove traces of barium and avoid constipation after the test.

Your child is made to wear a hospital gown and lie down on a bed. A barium drink, a milkshake of barium flavoured with pleasant substances for easy ingestion is then given to the child. An X-Ray Fluoroscopy machine is then used to watch the movement of barium meal as it passes through the upper digestive system from the time the child swallows the drink to the time the meal reaches and passes through the duodenum. The barium fluoroscopy machine shows live images on a screen like a movie and also allows the radiologist to capture images for the report as required. The child has to remain still during the procedure.