This is a series of x-rays of the esophagus, stomach, and
duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). Together, the
esophagus, stomach, and duodenum are called the upper
gastrointestinal (GI) tract, or upper digestive system. The
x-rays are taken during and after drinking a chemical called
barium. The barium solution is a thick, white, chalky,
milkshake-like liquid. It coats the inside lining of your GI
tract. This makes the GI tract show up better on the x-ray. An
upper GI series may be done if you have: An upper GI series can
help detect: Some may have an allergic reaction to the barium or
have difficulty keeping it down. You will remove all jewelry and
wear a hospital gown. You will drink the barium solution. As you
drink the barium, the radiologist will take x-rays of your chest
and abdomen. The doctor may also give you bits of food to eat
with barium on them. You may have to change positions frequently
during the test. If your doctor wants to look at more of your
intestines, a small bowel follow-th