Why is this procedure done?
An upper gastrointestinal series uses x-rays to take pictures of your GI tract. The upper GI tract includes your esophagus, stomach, and the duodenum. The esophagus is the tube that carries food, liquids, and saliva from your mouth to the stomach. The duodenum is the first part of your small intestine. A white, chalky milkshake-like drink called barium is taken before the x-rays. This drink helps make the pictures clear. ‚
Upper GI series is done to help find problems such as: ‚
- Swelling
- Ulcers
- Tumors or growths
- Blockages
- Acid irritation
It is also done to find the causes of: ‚
- Belly pain
- Upset stomach and throwing up
- Problems swallowing
- Sudden weight loss
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What will the results be?
Upper GI series will show how well your upper GI works. Your doctor will talk with you about the results. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history. Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- If you are or may be pregnant
- When you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
What happens during the procedure?
- You will lie on an exam table.
- Your doctor will give you the barium solution to drink. Sometimes, flavors are added like strawberry or chocolate to make it taste better.
- The staff will take the pictures.
- You will be asked to hold still in different positions as the x-rays are taken.
- The test may take 30 minutes to 2 hours.
What happens after the procedure?
- You will wait until the pictures are examined. In some cases, the staff may need to take more pictures.
- You can go home after the test.
- You can eat and drink after the test. You may feel a bit bloated or sick to your stomach for a short period of time after the test.
- Ask your doctor when you will get the results.
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- You can take your drugs as ordered by your doctor.
- Drink lots of fluids to help flush out the barium.
- Your stool will look white for 1 to 3 days after the test. This is normal.
- Use a laxative to pass a stool if you have hard stools. If you have a problem with bowel movements, call your doctor right away.
What follow-up care is needed?
- The results will help your doctor understand what kind of health problem you have.
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
What problems could happen?
Hard stools ‚
Where can I learn more?
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse ‚
http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/uppergi/ ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚