Upper Gastrointestinal Series (Upper GI Series; Barium Swallow;
Barium Meal)En Español (Spanish Version) This is a series of
x-rays of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum during and after
drinking a barium solution . The duodenum is the first part of
the small intestine. Together, the esophagus, stomach, and
duodenum are called the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract or
upper digestive system. Upper Digestive System © 2008 Nucleus
Medical Art, Inc. Reasons for Procedure An upper GI series may
be ordered if you have: - Weight loss - Abdominal pain -
Difficulty swallowing - Rectal bleeding - Bloody stools or
black, tarry stools - Bloody vomit or "coffee-ground" vomit An
upper GI series can help detect: - Abnormal growth or tumor -
Diverticula —an abnormal pouch or sac opening from a hollow
organ, such as the intestine - Gastroesophageal reflux disease
(GERD) - Hiatal hernia - Crohn's disease - Pulmonary
aspiration—inhalation of fluid, food, or other foreign matter
into the lungs - Inflammation of the stomach or