Barium swallow 14 month old

[Helgathehairy]

DD has symptoms of reflux since she was born really and the paediatrician has said the next step is a barium swallow to see what's happening.

Does anyone have any experience is a barium swallow for a 14 month old? I understand she has to drink a bottle of milk with dye in it but DD has never taken a bottle!

Any advice?

Hi OP, I have some experience of barium swallows through my work.

Your DD should be able to drink the milk out of whatever sort of cup or beaker she usually uses if she doesnt like a bottle. The more comfortable she is with the situation the better so if she really doesn't like a bottle it might upset her too much to be able get the images they need. I would bring along whatever she prefers drinking from so it is familiar to her. Best to phone and check with department that this is ok first though.

Once she has swallowed enough milk, they will take the xrays.

The barium will cause her poo to be very pale, can take a few days for it to all pass through her system.

Hope it all goes ok

Thanks coldtea. I'll bring along her beaker. Just worried about her drinking at all really.

My DS2 had to have a Barium Swallow at a similar age. He didn't have to drink milk with dye in it though-they gave him a special liquid to drink out of whatever cup he wanted to drink it out of. I was really worried he wasn't going to drink any of it cause I thought it would taste vile but it was a really sweet liquid without any colour. He managed to drink about 3 mouthfuls of it and they got all the shots ( I know thats not the correct word but can't think how to else to explain it) really quickly so I wouldn't worry too much about the quantity she drinks. As long as some goes down they should be able to see what they need to see.

His wasn't actually for reflux though although he does have reflux it was to try and find something else but I assume the process is the same.

Thanks heart, that's a relief.

My DS had a barium swallow in relation to reflux - a bit younger than your DD so in a bottle with milk. I'm sure the hospital will be flexible about bottle or cup but I second the advice to give the dept or consultant's secretary a ring to reassure you. The worst thing for my DS was that he wasn't allowed to eat or drink in the hours before the swallow (all morning iirc) so was starving - something to be aware of (the positive is that he then drank it alll without complaint though!). The swallow itself was fine & we were allowed to view the image with the doctor, which was good as it helped us to understand better. Reflux is so tough for DCs & for parents - hope it resolves soon for you.

Thanks lego. It's pretty late for DD to be undergoing investigation for the first time but the nurses and doctors must be used to dealing with children.