What can X rays be used to diagnose?

Problems that may be detected during an X-ray include:

• bone fractures and breaks.
• tooth problems, such as loose teeth and dental abscesses.
• scoliosis (abnormal curvature of the spine)
• non-cancerous and cancerous bone tumours.
• lung problems, such as pneumonia and lung cancer.
• dysphagia (swallowing problems)

What can an abdominal X-ray tell you?

An abdominal X-ray may help to find the cause of abdominal pain or vomiting. It can sometimes detect kidney stones, an obstruction (blockage), a perforation (hole) in the intestines, or an abdominal mass such as a tumor. The image also can reveal small metal objects (such as coins) that might have been swallowed.

How is a swallow test performed?

The test uses X-rays in real time (fluoroscopy) to film as you swallow. You’ll swallow a substance called barium that is mixed with liquid and food. The barium shows the movements of your throat and esophagus on the X-ray while you swallow.

Does a barium swallow test hurt?

Barium is a white liquid that is visible on X-rays. Barium passes through the digestive system and does not cause a person any harm.

How long does it take to do a swallow test?

Your doctor will direct you to your local radiology facility for your barium swallow. A trained radiology technician will perform the procedure. From start to finish, a barium swallow takes about 30 minutes. You will get your results within several days of your procedure.

What is difference between Endoscopy and barium swallow?

endoscopy. The barium swallow is a less invasive way to look at the upper GI tract than an endoscopy. Barium swallows are a useful diagnostic tool for checking for upper GI tract disorders that can be easily diagnosed with X-ray alone. More complex disorders require endoscopy.

What happens if you fail a swallow test?

You will usually be told the results right away. If you don’t have any problems with swallowing, you may be able to eat normally again. You might need follow-up tests if your medical team is still worried that you may have dysphagia.

What can a barium swallow test diagnose?

A barium swallow may be able to help diagnose conditions such as:

• Hiatal hernia — where your stomach has moved up into or beside the esophagus.
• Inflammation or blockages in the upper gastrointestinal tract.
• Benign or malignant tumors (non-cancerous and cancerous) in the head, neck, pharynx and esophagus.
• Gastric ulcers.

Will a barium swallow show hiatal hernia?

A barium swallow is used to help diagnose conditions that affect the throat, esophagus, stomach, and first part the small intestine. These include: Ulcers. Hiatal hernia, a condition in which part of your stomach pushes into the diaphragm.