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An esophagram test is a radiographic study of the esophagus. The test could also be part of your chest X-rays. A person who has been asked to undergo an esophagram test and chest X-ray will be asked to swallow barium which is a contrast agent. The barium is often combined with gas producing crystals such as citric acid and granules. Barium is a white chalky tasting thick liquid which is visible on x-rays. After swallowing the barium, the doctor will track the progress of this contrast agent through the esophagus, stomach and the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). This is done under fluoroscopy. A radiologist looks at the stomach and the esophagus using fluoroscopy connected to a video monitor. An esophagram is a detailed examination of the esophagus. An esophagram test of the lungs is not carried out.

An esophagram test and chest X-ray might be recommended for the following reasons:-

• To detect objects that have been swallowed
• To determine the cause of gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting, abdominal pain, difficulty in swallowing, regurgitation of food and so on.
• To determine and evaluate the reasons for chronic diarrhea and weight loss.
• To check for polyps, tumors, ulcers or pyloric stenosis or to detect strictures (narrow places) in the intestinal tract.
• To detect motility disorders, malabsorption syndrome or inflamed areas of the intestine.
• To determine the cause of heartburn.
• To determine the cause of Gastro Esophageal Reflux
• To determine if the person is suffering from hiatus hernia.

The procedure for an esophagram test and chest X-ray is as follows:-

• The patient will have to stop eating and drinking the night before the procedure
• Smoking should be avoided as well as this interferes with the accuracy of the test.
• The patient should inform the radiologist of any allergies they have and if they are allergic to barium.
• The radiologist should also be informed of any medications that the patient is taking and any previous surgery details as well.
• A patient who is pregnant or suspects a pregnancy should inform the radiologist as well as the esophagram involves a small amount of radiation as well.
• The patient will be asked to swallow the barium. The citric acid and the granules produced carbon dioxide which helps to distend the esophagus and stomach. It is important that these gases stay in the stomach, so the patient must not belch even if he/she needs to.
• The patient will be asked to assume different positions to get the best possible images with the fluoroscopy unit.
• The patient will have to hold their breath while each image is taken.