Information for Patients Having Barium Swallow/Meal

What is swallow/barium meal?

This is an examination of your upper digestive system and stomach, performed while you swallow, which is recorded in real time using X-rays. The images can be replayed for the doctor, this may help to provide a diagnosis, help identify your symptoms or decide further treatment options.

Is there any preparation?

YES

For the examination to be successful, it is essential for your stomach and upper digestive system to be empty, otherwise the examination may have to be repeated.

You can eat a light breakfast before 10.30am, e.g. one of the following a yoghurt or one piece of fruit or one slice of toast or small bowl of cereal.

You can drink black tea or coffee(no milk or sugar) and water and continue to take your normal medications.

What does the examination involve?

You will be asked by the radiographer to get changed into a gown, this ensures there is nothing that will show up on the images like a bra, buttons or jewellery.

The radiographer will check your details to ensure you are the correct person and are having the correct examination.

If you are aged between 10 and 55, we will  confirm your gender and check if there is a chance of pregnancy.

You will be standing during the procedure (you may be asked to lay flat on your back, depending on the information your doctor requires, and you may be required to roll into different positions).

You will be given a cup of thick, creamy mixture (the barium) which has a mixed berry flavour to drink, sometimes through a straw if you are lying down.

The doctor will tell you when to drink and the X-ray tube will be positioned in line with your neck and follow down as you swallow until it reaches your stomach. You will be asked to move into different positions. This mixture can be seen on an X-ray screen by the doctor as it enters your upper digestive system and into the stomach. 

If it is necessary to take further images of your lower digestive system, then the time you are here will be extended.

Who will I meet?

Radiologist (a doctor who specialises in X-rays)
Radiographer (a person who is qualified to take X-rays and support the radiologist during the procedure)
Student radiographer (observing)

How long does it take?

The actual examination can take 20 minutes, but you will be in the department for about 40 minutes. You might be asked to stay longer depending on the images received of your lower digestive system – this could be for a few hours.

After the examination

After the examination you will be able to eat and drink normally but take extra fluids and eat plenty of fruit and vegetables over the next two days.  This will help clear the barium from your bowel.  You may become slightly constipated. If so, take over the counter medication.

Your stools will be lighter in colour.

Results

These will be sent to your referring clinician after your examination.

Contact numbers

We hope that you have found this information useful. If you have any questions or are worried about anything, please speak to the following Dorset County Hospital staff:

Appointments team: 01305 254428
Dorset County Hospital Switchboard: 01305 251120
Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS): 0800 7838058

About this leaflet

Author: Jeanette Bartlett, Lead Interventional Fluoroscopy Senior Radiographer
Written: February 2025
Approved: April 2025
Review date: April 2028
Edition: v3

If you have feedback regarding the accuracy of the information contained in this leaflet, or if you would like a list of references used to develop this leaflet, please email patientinformation.leaflets@dchft.nhs.uk