Barium Swallow Experience ?

[ParkSchool5]

Hello, I am due to have a barium swallow next week and getting a bit anxious about it. I have had endoscopies in the past, due to Celiac disease and Gastritis, but the last one made me feel really unwell, which is why my Doctor has recommended the Barium swallow. I have read up on some peoples experiences, which are mixed! As it's fluoroscopy, is the radiation dose high? also I suffer with constipation and am worried if the barium will pass through. Also, does it cause cramping pain due to something they give you to dilate the stomach to enable a better view, as I already suffer with upper GI pain. Finally, does a Swallow it just show the oesophagus or the duodenum/stomach as well? Thank-you.

[Mauser1905]

Barium swallow is one of the easiest things I have undergone. Its just a chalk tasting thick liquid given in a small cup to swallow while the imaging is done. for me this was done while I was standing upright, didn't even notice anything later or prior.

Possibly try and avoid overthinking if I were you.

[ParkSchool5 in reply to Mauser1905]

Thanks so much for your reply and helping to put my mind at ease. I think Googling these things can be a mistake, it starts to have a negative effect. Regards.