What is an upper GI x-ray?

01/11/2022

What is an upper GI x-ray?

An upper gastrointestinal series (UGI) is a radiographic (X-ray) examination of the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (first part of the small intestine) are made visible on X-ray film by a liquid suspension. This liquid suspension may be barium or a water-soluble contrast.

What upper GI means?

“Upper GI” refers to your upper gastrointestinal tract. That means your esophagus (swallowing pipe), your stomach and the first part of your small intestine (duodenum). The “series” refers to a series of fluoroscopic X-rays that are taken during the test.

What is an upper and lower GI series?

An “upper GI test” examines your esophagus, stomach and the first part of your small intestine (duodenum). A “lower GI test” examines the lower part of your small intestine (ileum) and your large intestine, including your colon and rectum.

What is a GI in medical terms?

Refers to the stomach and intestines. Also called gastrointestinal.

Where is the upper GI tract?

The upper GI tract is generally considered to be the mouth, esophagus, stomach, and finally the first part of the small intestine (duodenum). The lower GI tract runs from the small intestine to the large intestine (colon) to the anus.

Why is it called GI?

When this happened, GI was reinterpreted as “government issue” or “general issue.” The prevalence of the term led soldiers in World War II to start referring to themselves as GIs. Some servicemen used it as a sarcastic reference symbolizing their belief that they were just mass-produced products of the government.

What is upper GI problems?

What are upper GI problems? Upper gastrointestinal (GI) problems include issues of the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine. These problems can cause pain and discomfort.

What is the most common upper GI problem?

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Gastroesophageal reflux disease, a severe and chronic form of acid reflux, occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus (the tube that moves food from your throat to your stomach).

What is an upper GI procedure?

What is an upper GI exam? An upper GI (gastrointestinal) exam is an X-ray exam of the esophagus, stomach, and first part of the small intestine. The exam uses contrast (X-ray dye) and fluoroscopy (a special type of X-ray). How does the exam work? To help details of your GI tract show on the X-rays, you will swallow a liquid contrast called

What is normal upper GI?

Mouth. The mouth is the first part of the upper GI tract,and therefore the first component of the digestive system as a whole.

  • Pharynx. The pharynx,or throat,is a 5-inch long passageway that has a dual function.
  • Esophagus.
  • Stomach.
  • Duodenum.
  • What can I expect from an upper GI endoscopy?

    Infection

  • Bleeding
  • A tear in the lining (perforation) of the duodenum,esophagus,or stomach
  • How is an upper GI performed?

    A patient will be positioned behind X-ray equipment called a fluoroscope for X-ray exposure.

  • The patient then is asked to swallow a liquid that contains barium.
  • X-ray images are obtained at different angles through the chest and abdomen.