UPPER GI SERIES

An upper gastrointestinal, or GI, series is a moving x-ray film of the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. In order for the GI tract to show up on x-rays, it has to be coated or filled with a solution that contrasts with the surrounding tissues. This solution, called barium is a white, chalky substance that shows the digestive tract in clear contrast on x-ray. As the barium moves down, the x-ray film, fluoroscopy, shows the outlines of the organs and their movements. Examiners also take still x-rays.

This test is done to evaluate:

difficulty swallowing
spitting up food
heartburn or indigestion
unexplained weight loss and
gastrointestinal bleeding

It helps diagnose hiatal hernia, abnormal pouches, enlarged blood vessels in the esophagus, ulcers, tumors, and inflammatory disease. It can also aid the diagnosis of absorption and digestive movement disorders.

It is important that the stomach is empty of all food when this test is done. You will be instructed to eat light meals for 2 or 3 days prior to the test. No eating, drinking, smoking, or chewing gum after midnight of the day of the test is allowed. You may also be asked to stop oral drugs and antacids.

Upper GI series are usually scheduled in the morning, since people are not allowed to eat or drink after midnight. You will be given about 20 ounces of barium to drink. It tastes like a chalky milkshake, but comes in flavors, such as strawberry and chocolate, to mask the taste. You will then be given some baking-soda crystals, sometimes called fizzies, to swallow and create gas in your stomach. Small amounts of air may also be pumped into the stomach. This may make you want to belch. But try not to, as the gas will make the images clearer.

Once the barium enters the small intestine, usually after about 30 minutes, the examiner will take x-rays every 30 to 60 minutes. You will be free to move around between x-rays. Your position may be changed frequently to get different views and still x-rays will also be taken. Additional barium may be needed, as well. An upper GI test takes 1 to 2 hours. X-rays of the small intestine may take 3 to 5 hours. The test ends when the barium enters the large intestine.

After the test, you can usually resume a regular diet and take your oral medications. Your stools may be gray or white for 48 to 72 hours after the test due to the barium. Temporary constipation may occur. This can be treated by using an over-the-counter laxative. If that does not work, you may be instructed to take an enema.

An upper GI series is relatively safe. However, some people may be allergic to the flavoring in the barium. If you have experienced allergic reactions after eating chocolate, certain berries or citrus fruit, be sure to tell the examiner before the test. There is also a slight chance that some barium could be retained, leading to a blockage of the GI tract.

Call your healthcare provider, if you:

have abdominal pain that gets worse
continue to have constipation after taking a laxative or
have questions about the procedure or its result

This test should not be performed on pregnant women or people who have an obstruction or rupture in the GI tract.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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