In most cases, barium x-rays are administered with no difficulty or lasting complications. However, risks of upper barium x-rays may include:

• Constipation. Patients will often be advised to expel the barium and avoid constipation by eating high-fiber foods, using laxatives or drinking extra fluid.
  
  
• Radiation. Fluoroscopy and cineradiography can emit more radiation than standard x-rays.
  
  
• Allergic reaction. Some patients may have an allergic reaction to the barium.
  
  
• Aspiration. Occurs when barium accidentally ends up in the windpipe (trachea).
  
  
• Infection. This occurs infrequently during upper GI barium tests, but requires prompt treatment. A common symptom of infection is fever.
  
• Hypoglycemia. The fasting usually required for most types of barium x-rays can cause low glucose (blood sugar). The physician may issue special instructions for patients with diabetes.
  
  
• Intestinal obstruction. If the barium is not defecated it can harden in the intestine. A white stool is normal for up to three days after barium x-rays. The patient should notify the physician if there is no white stool or if there are other bowel problems. Intestinal obstruction could lead to potentially fatal barium poisoning.
  
  
• Poisoning. Normally, the body cannot absorb barium sulfate (the full name for barium) because this compound is not water soluble. Poisoning can occur in the rare cases in which water-soluble barium compounds are accidentally used instead of insoluble forms, or in which intestinal blockage prevents the body from expelling barium sulfate. Symptoms of barium poisoning include diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, and stomach pain. In severe cases the body can lose so much potassium that paralysis or death can result.

Upper GI barium tests may not be appropriate for everyone. For instance, patients with kidney damage should discuss potential risks with their physician because barium can worsen such damage. The physician may recommend that kidney patients protect their kidneys by drinking water before and after x-rays.

In addition, upper GI barium tests are not typically recommended for pregnant women as exposure to radiation may potentially harm a developing fetus.

Patients should seek prompt medical attention if they experience any of the following:

• Vomiting
• Pain
• Bleeding
• Breathing difficulties
• Chest pain