A barium X-ray is helpful to diagnose diseases of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine (colon).

X-rays are a form of invisible electromagnetic energy of short wavelength (radiation) that is produced when high-speed electrons strike a heavy metal. X-rays can be used to produce images of bones, organs, and internal tissues. Low doses of X-rays are passed through the tissues and cast images - essentially shadows - onto film or a fluorescent screen showing structural changes...