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.

Barium is a liquid that shows up the outline of your organs when you have an x-ray. You might have this test to check part of your digestive system. Barium is a white liquid that shows up clearly on ...