Final answer:
A classic finding on barium swallow in a patient with Achalasia is the bird's beak appearance, which refers to a narrowing of the lower esophageal sphincter with dilation of the proximal esophagus. The barium swallow is a diagnostic test that involves the patient swallowing a suspension of barium sulfate to visualize the digestive tract on X-ray images. Other signs on barium swallow that may be seen in Achalasia include a lack of peristalsis in the esophagus and retention of contrast material in the esophagus.
Step-by-step explanation:
A classic finding on barium swallow in a patient with Achalasia is the bird's beak appearance. This refers to a narrowing of the lower esophageal sphincter with dilation of the proximal esophagus, resembling the shape of a bird's beak on X-ray imaging.
The barium swallow is a diagnostic test that involves the patient swallowing a suspension of barium sulfate, which coats the digestive tract and provides better visualization on X-ray images. In the case of Achalasia, the barium swallow can show the characteristic findings of a narrowed lower esophageal sphincter and dilation of the esophagus.
Other signs on barium swallow that may be seen in Achalasia include a lack of peristalsis (wave-like contractions) in the esophagus and retention of contrast material in the esophagus for a prolonged period of time.