Barium meal is one of the commonly used examination methods in Gastroenterology, which can be performed for esophageal examination.
Barium meal is an indirect examination commonly used in clinical practice, which requires oral intake of barium followed by X-ray examination. The integrity of esophageal mucosa is observed through the visualization of barium in the esophagus, so as to determine whether there is any defect, filling, or stenosis in the esophagus.
However, since barium meal test is an indirect means of examination, it may not be able to accurately detect minor mucosal lesions.
Clinically, for patients with suspected esophageal or gastric diseases, it is generally recommended that gastroscopy be the first choice when there are no contraindications, and barium meal examination can be chosen when there are contraindications to gastroscopy. Consult your physician for specific tests.