A barium swallow (also called a contrast esophagram), is a series of x-rays of your esophagus. For the test, you will drink a barium-containing liquid, which coats the inside of the esophagus and makes its shape and contours appear on x-rays. As the liquid moves from the mouth down to the esophagus, the physician can assess any narrowing, enlargement or abnormalities. If you are an adult patient, you are allowed to eat and drink before this exam. You may also take any medications you need before the exam as part of your regular schedule. Please bring in any food or drinks that are particularly difficult, as you will be asked to eat and drink during the exam and it will be helpful to see what is troublesome.
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Boston Medical Center Health System complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, national origin (including limited English proficiency and primary language), religion, culture, physical or mental disabilities, socioeconomic status, sex, sexual orientation and gender identity and/or expression. BMCHS provides free aids and services to people with disabilities and free language services to people whose primary language is not English.
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