A barium swallow is a type of test used to look inside the esophagus, or food pipe. A doctor might recommend this test if they need to look at the outline of any part of a person’s digestive system.

A-I’ve been having stomach troubles, and my doctor has scheduled me for something called a “barium swallow.” I’m very concerned. What is this test like, and what is he looking for? A-The symptoms we ...

A barium swallow is a type of X-ray test that helps your doctor see the back of your mouth and throat (pharynx), and the tube that extends from the back of the tongue down to the stomach (esophagus).