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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Why Was Barium Swallow Test Done For Complaints Of GERD?

I had a barium swallow yesterday that took 5 1/2 hours because they were waiting for the liquid needed to get to a certain spot. they ended up making me walk, eating and giving me more of the carbonated stuff to drink. The doctor called to day and said more tests are needed. I was going regarding GURD
Thu, 19 Dec 2013
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Internal Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
Hi there,

Thanks for your query.


Barium swallow is done to see

* for the movement abnormality (if any) of the food pipe (esophagus) : whether normal, slow, absent or retrograde; AND,

* whether gastro-esophageal sphincter is functioning normally, or is constricted or is incompetent.

An incompetent sphincter enables the stomach acidic fluid to flow upwards/backwards into the food pipe (esophagus), as in Gastro-esophageal-reflux-disease (GERD). Reflux of radio-opaque dye into the esophagus, confirms the diagnosis of GERD.

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Take care

Dr. Rakesh Karanwal
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Why Was Barium Swallow Test Done For Complaints Of GERD?

Hi there, Thanks for your query. Barium swallow is done to see * for the movement abnormality (if any) of the food pipe (esophagus) : whether normal, slow, absent or retrograde; AND, * whether gastro-esophageal sphincter is functioning normally, or is constricted or is incompetent. An incompetent sphincter enables the stomach acidic fluid to flow upwards/backwards into the food pipe (esophagus), as in Gastro-esophageal-reflux-disease (GERD). Reflux of radio-opaque dye into the esophagus, confirms the diagnosis of GERD. If you find my response helpful and informative, do not forget an “excellent” (5-star rating) to my answer, to ENCOURAGE ALL doctors- engaged in social service- to render sound advice to the FREE queries. Take care Dr. Rakesh Karanwal