Barium Swallow Pictures

X-ray images after a barium swallow showing a normal esophagus and an esophagus with a hiatal hernia

Courtesy of Intermountain Medical Imaging, Boise, Idaho. All rights reserved.

Figure 1 shows the lower end of a normal esophagus with a smooth connection between the lower esophagus and stomach. Figure 2 shows the lower end of the esophagus with a small hiatal hernia, which occurs when a small portion of the stomach pushes up into the chest.

Current as of: July 26, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.