BARIUM MEAL Meaning and
Definition
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A barium meal, also known as a barium swallow, is a medical procedure used to examine the upper gastrointestinal tract for abnormalities or conditions. It involves the ingestion of a liquid suspension containing barium sulfate, a contrast medium that helps to highlight the structures being examined on X-ray images.
The procedure typically begins with the patient consuming the barium sulfate liquid, which coats the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. As the patient swallows the liquid, X-ray images are taken at various intervals to track the movement of the barium through the digestive system. These images provide a detailed visualization of the structure and functioning of the esophagus, stomach, and upper small intestine.
A barium meal allows for the detection and evaluation of a range of conditions, such as ulcers, hiatal hernias, tumors, strictures, esophageal motility disorders, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and inflammatory conditions. The procedure helps to identify abnormalities in the shape, size, and positioning of the upper gastrointestinal tract, as well as abnormal functioning and possible blockages.
Overall, a barium meal serves as a valuable diagnostic tool for healthcare professionals to assess and diagnose conditions affecting the upper gastrointestinal tract. The resulting X-ray images provide valuable information that can guide further treatment and intervention plans, as well as facilitate the monitoring of ongoing conditions.
Common Misspellings for BARIUM MEAL
- varium meal
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Etymology of BARIUM MEAL
The word "barium" comes from the Greek word "barys", meaning "heavy". It is a chemical element with the symbol "Ba" and atomic number 56. "Barium meal" specifically refers to a diagnostic procedure in which a patient ingests a white liquid called "barium sulfate", which acts as a contrast medium for X-ray imaging of the upper gastrointestinal tract. The term "meal" in this context refers to the liquid that is consumed to facilitate the examination.
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