It often starts with a whisper. A little burn after dinner, maybe some trouble keeping food down, or perhaps your stomach just feels… off, more often than not. You might try a few things on your own, but when those symptoms stick around, that’s usually when you’d come see me or another doctor. And when we need a clearer picture of what’s happening inside your digestive system, Gastrointestinal (GI) exams are some of the best tools we have.
Understanding Your Gastrointestinal (GI) Exams
So, what exactly are we talking about? Your digestive system, or gastrointestinal (GI) tract, is like a long, winding road food takes from your mouth all the way out. It includes your esophagus (the swallowing tube), stomach, and intestines. GI exams often use a special kind of X-ray called fluoroscopy. Think of it like a live-action movie instead of a still photo. It lets us watch your organs as they work, which is incredibly helpful.
What are the different types of GI exams?
Depending on what part of your GI tract we need to look at, we might suggest different tests:
- Barium Swallow Test (Esophagram): This lets us see how your esophagus is working when you swallow. It usually takes about an hour.
- Upper GI Series: Here, we’re looking at your esophagus, stomach, and the first part of your small intestine (duodenum) as they digest. Plan for about an hour to an hour and a half.
- Small Bowel Series: This exam focuses on your entire small intestine (or small bowel) and how it’s digesting. This one can take a bit longer, maybe two to four hours.
- Barium Enema or Lower Bowel Series: This helps us examine your lower small intestine (ileum), colon, and rectum – essentially your large bowel. This usually takes one to two hours.
Why might I need a GI exam?
If you’re experiencing some puzzling symptoms, a GI exam can help us find the cause. We often recommend them if you’re dealing with:
- Difficulty swallowing
- Really bad indigestion
- Reflux (that burning feeling rising up)
- Abdominal pain that won’t quit
- Persistent diarrhea
- Ongoing vomiting
- Seeing blood in your poop
What can GI exams help diagnose?
These tests are great for spotting a range of conditions. We can look for things like:
- Ulcers
- Tumors or polyps (growths)
- Hiatal hernias (when part of your stomach pushes up through your diaphragm)
- Diverticulosis (small pouches in your colon) and diverticulitis (when those pouches get inflamed)
- Esophageal varices (swollen veins in the esophagus)
- Barrett’s esophagus (changes in the lining of the esophagus)
- Intestinal metaplasia (changes in the cells lining your stomach or intestines)
- Dysphagia (the medical term for difficulty swallowing)
- GERD (chronic acid reflux)
- Laryngopharyngeal reflux (when stomach acid affects your throat and voice box)
- Gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining)
- Enteritis (inflammation of the small intestine)
- Gastroenteritis (what many call the “stomach flu”)
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), like Crohn’s or colitis
You’ll typically have these exams done in a hospital’s radiology department or a specialized X-ray facility. The tests are performed by skilled radiologic technologists, and the images are interpreted by radiologists, who are doctors specializing in medical imaging. They’re experts at this!
Test Details: Getting a Closer Look
How does fluoroscopy actually work?
Okay, so fluoroscopy might sound a bit high-tech, but the idea is pretty straightforward. A continuous X-ray beam passes through your body, and the images show up on a screen in real-time – like a video. This lets us see how your organs are functioning and if there are any blockages or anything unusual about their size, shape, or position.
To make your organs stand out in these “movies,” we usually use a contrast agent called barium. It’s a chalky, white liquid. I know, it doesn’t sound delicious, and honestly, it isn’t a milkshake, but they do flavor it to make it more tolerable. For an upper GI exam, you’ll drink it. For a lower GI exam, it’s gently introduced via an enema.
How should I prepare for my GI exam?
Good preparation is key for clear results, so please follow the instructions you’re given very carefully. Depending on the specific test, you might need to:
- Follow a special diet for a few days.
- Fast (not eat or drink anything) for a certain period before the test.
- Take laxatives to clean out your bowels.
- Avoid smoking or certain medications for a couple of days.
On the day of the exam, it’s best to leave valuables at home. You’ll change into a hospital gown. And please, let the technologist know if you might be pregnant, are nursing, have an insulin pump, have any allergies (especially to things like iodine or barium), or if you have trouble lying in different positions. We want you to be safe and as comfortable as possible.
What happens during a GI exam?
This varies a bit depending on whether it’s an upper or lower GI exam.
For an upper GI exam:
You’ll likely start by standing on a special X-ray table that can tilt. The technologist will make sure you’re secure, sometimes with straps, just in case the table needs to be tilted during the exam. If you’re feeling very anxious, sometimes a mild sedative can be offered.
You’ll sip the barium solution at different times during the test. The technologist will guide you on when to drink and how much. It’s usually about 12 ounces in total, sometimes thicker, sometimes thinner. Besides the taste of the barium, the exam itself shouldn’t be uncomfortable.
For a lower GI exam (Barium Enema):
You’ll lie on your side on the X-ray table. The technologist will gently insert a small tube into your rectum to deliver the barium solution via an enema. This solution fills up your large intestine so we can see it clearly.
The table might be tilted to help the barium spread. Sometimes, a little air is puffed into your bowel to provide even better contrast. This part can feel a bit strange – you might feel some cramping, gas, or a strong urge to go to the bathroom. That’s normal.
After the first set of X-rays, you’ll be able to use the bathroom or a bedpan to empty your bowels as much as possible. Then, you’ll come back for a few more X-rays to see the barium that’s left coating the lining of your intestine.
What should I expect after the GI exam?
Once it’s all done:
- You can usually go back to your normal activities and diet pretty much right away.
- We’ll encourage you to drink plenty of fluids to help flush the barium out of your system.
- Don’t be surprised if your poop is white or light-colored for a day or two – that’s just the barium passing through.
- Sometimes, the barium can cause temporary constipation or, less commonly, diarrhea. This should clear up on its own in a day or so. If it doesn’t, give us a call.
Are GI exams safe?
Generally, yes. These are non-invasive tests, and the benefits in figuring out what’s wrong almost always outweigh the very low risks.
- There’s a small chance of an allergic reaction to the contrast solution, especially if you have other allergies.
- The radiation exposure from fluoroscopy is a bit more than a standard X-ray, but it’s still considered very low and safe for a one-time exam. We always avoid X-rays if you’re pregnant.
- The risk of infection is very, very low.
- With a lower GI test (barium enema), there’s an extremely rare risk of a tear in the intestinal wall. If this were to happen, it might require surgery, but again, this is highly unlikely.
We’ll discuss all this with you beforehand, of course.
Results and Follow-Up
When will I get the results of my GI exam?
The radiologist will review your images and send a report to your doctor, usually within 24 hours on weekdays. Your doctor will then go over the results with you and talk about what they mean and what the next steps might be.
Key Takeaways for Your Gastrointestinal (GI) Exam
Here’s a quick rundown of what’s most important to remember:
- Gastrointestinal (GI) exams use live X-ray (fluoroscopy) and often a contrast liquid (barium) to help us see inside your digestive tract.
- They help diagnose issues causing symptoms like swallowing problems, abdominal pain, or changes in bowel habits.
- Common types include Barium Swallow, Upper GI Series, Small Bowel Series, and Barium Enema.
- Proper preparation is crucial for accurate results – follow all instructions!
- The exams are generally safe, with low risks. You might have white stools for a day or two afterwards.
- Your doctor will discuss the results with you and plan any further steps.
It’s completely normal to feel a bit apprehensive about any medical test. But remember, these exams are designed to help us understand what’s going on so we can get you feeling better. We’re here to answer your questions and support you through the process. You’re doin’ great by taking this step for your health.
