Barium Swallow and Contrast X-Ray in Sharjah
Medically reviewed by Dar Al Kamal Team
What is a contrast X-ray study?
A contrast X-ray study is an examination in which you swallow, or are given, a liquid called a contrast agent that shows up clearly on X-ray. Ordinary X-rays show bone well and hollow organs poorly. The contrast coats or fills the inside of an organ, so its shape, lining and movement become visible. The radiologist watches the contrast move using live X-ray, called fluoroscopy, and takes still pictures at key moments.
The most familiar contrast study is the barium swallow, which follows a mouthful of barium down the gullet. A barium meal continues into the stomach. Other contrast studies look at the bowel, the urinary tract, or a surgical join after an operation. At Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah, these studies are arranged by your treating doctor. When a study is performed at another centre, your doctor arranges it there, and the result is followed up here.
Who needs it
Contrast studies answer questions about shape and movement that other scans handle less directly. Your doctor may suggest one for:
- Difficulty swallowing, food sticking, or coughing when swallowing
- Suspected narrowing, pouch or web in the gullet
- Reflux symptoms, or a suspected hiatus hernia, when the anatomy needs mapping
- Checking a surgical join in the bowel or gullet for a leak after an operation
- In children, a voiding study of the bladder after repeated urinary infections, to look for urine flowing back towards the kidneys (see pediatric urology)
Several other tests often answer the same question and are available at Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah. Endoscopy, arranged through gastroenterology, lets a specialist look directly at the lining and take samples. CT scans show the bowel and surrounding organs in detail, and ultrasound examines the abdomen with no radiation. Your doctor chooses the test that best fits your symptoms, and the wider choice of abdominal scans is explained on the abdominal imaging page.
What happens
For a barium swallow, you stand or sit beside the X-ray equipment. You take mouthfuls of a thick, chalky drink when asked, and the radiologist watches on a screen as you swallow. Sometimes you are given fizzy granules first, which make gas that stretches the stomach for clearer pictures. You may be asked to turn or lie in different positions so the barium coats every surface. The examination usually takes a short time, and you can talk to the team throughout.
For a urinary study in a child, a thin soft tube places contrast into the bladder, and pictures are taken as the child passes urine. A parent can usually stay alongside to comfort the child.
For a leak check after surgery, a water-based contrast is often used instead of barium, because it is absorbed safely by the body if it escapes from the bowel.
Preparing for it
- Fasting. For a barium swallow or meal, you are usually asked to have nothing to eat or drink for several hours beforehand, so the stomach is empty. You will be given exact timing.
- Medicines. Ask your doctor whether to take your usual morning medicines, and tell them if you have diabetes, since fasting may need a plan.
- Allergies. Tell the team about any previous reaction to contrast.
- Pregnancy. Tell the team if you are or might be pregnant, since these studies use X-rays.
- Ramadan. If the study falls during Ramadan, ask about timing so the fast and the preparation fit together.
Afterwards
You can usually eat and drink normally straight away. Barium makes stools pale or white for a day or two, which is expected. Barium can also cause constipation, so drink plenty of water, especially in the UAE heat, and eat fibre-rich food for the next couple of days.
The radiologist reports the images, and the report goes to the doctor who requested the study, who explains the result and any next step at Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah.
Contact your doctor if you have no bowel movement for several days after a barium study, if you develop tummy pain or bloating, or if you are vomiting. Seek urgent care if you develop severe abdominal pain, a swollen hard tummy, or a rash, swelling or breathing difficulty after contrast.
Cost and insurance
Most UAE health insurance plans cover contrast X-ray studies when a doctor requests them for symptoms, and some plans need pre-approval. Where the study is arranged at another centre, cover and approval follow that centre's process. Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah can help you check your cover on 06 599 7777.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the risks and limits of a contrast X-ray study?
A contrast X-ray study uses X-rays, so there is a small radiation dose, and barium can cause constipation for a day or two. Allergic reactions to barium are rare; reactions to iodine-based contrast are also uncommon. A contrast study shows shape and movement well but gives less detail of the lining than endoscopy, and no samples can be taken during it.
Is a barium swallow done at Dar Al Kamal Hospital?
Barium swallow and other contrast studies are arranged through your treating doctor at Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah. Where the study is not available at the hospital, your doctor arranges it at a centre that performs it, and the result is followed up with your doctor here. Endoscopy, CT and ultrasound, which answer many of the same questions, are available.
Why are my stools white after a barium test?
White or pale stools after a barium test are expected, because the barium passes through the bowel and out in the stool. This usually lasts a day or two. Drinking plenty of water helps the barium clear and reduces the chance of constipation.
Is a barium swallow better than an endoscopy?
A barium swallow and an endoscopy answer different questions. A barium swallow shows how the gullet moves and its overall shape, which suits swallowing problems. An endoscopy looks directly at the lining and allows samples to be taken. Your doctor chooses the test that fits your symptoms, and sometimes both are used.
Can I have a contrast study if I am pregnant?
Contrast X-ray studies are usually avoided in pregnancy because they use X-rays. Tell the team before the test if you are or might be pregnant. Your doctor can often choose another test, such as ultrasound or endoscopy, or delay the study.
How long do I need to fast before a barium meal?
Fasting before a barium meal is usually for several hours, so the stomach is empty and the barium coats it evenly. You will be given exact instructions when the study is arranged. People with diabetes should ask their doctor for a plan for medicines while fasting.
Is a contrast study covered by insurance?
Most UAE insurance plans cover contrast X-ray studies requested by a doctor for symptoms, and some need pre-approval. Where the study is arranged at another centre, that centre's approval process applies. Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah can help you check your cover on 06 599 7777.
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