Home Medical tests. Barium tests. Actions for this page Listen Print. Summary Read the full fact sheet. On this page. Barium swallows and enemas Problems that may be diagnosed with barium tests Before having a barium test Barium test procedure Barium swallow and barium meal — procedure After a barium test Possible complications of barium tests Self-care after a barium test Long-term outlook after a barium test Other tests for examining the digestive tract Where to get help.
Barium swallows and enemas Barium barium sulphate powder mixed with water can be swallowed flavouring may be added or introduced to the bowel as an enema through a tube inserted into the rectum. Problems that may be diagnosed with barium tests By reviewing the images taken during the barium swallow, meal or enema tests, a radiologist can evaluate and diagnose a wide range of problems which may include: abnormal shape of the digestive tract areas where the digestive tract has become narrow ulceration damage to the digestive tract lining.
Before having a barium test If you are going to have a barium test, before the procedure, be sure to discuss the following with your referring doctor or with the radiology staff: bowel habits — if you are constipated, you will be given a laxative the night before the barium meal.
For the enema, you will be given a specific diet and laxatives to ensure the bowel is clear. You will probably need to take the laxatives for two days before the test eating — you are not allowed to eat or drink anything for eight hours before the test. The radiologist can have difficulty making an accurate evaluation of the images if there are particles of food in the digestive tract health conditions — at the time of booking you will need to tell the radiology staff if you have insulin dependent diabetes so that you can decide together the best time for you to fast and have the test pregnancy — pregnant women should not have these tests.
Barium test procedure When doing a barium test you may experience cramping. Barium swallow and barium meal — procedure During a barium swallow, you will be asked to drink the barium so the radiologist can observe your swallowing and evaluate the structure of your oesophagus. Barium enema — procedure During a barium enema, the barium sulphate is introduced into your bowel through a tube inserted into your rectum. After a barium test After a test involving barium, you can expect to experience: constipation light-coloured faeces poo flatulence depending on the examination blurred vision for an hour or so , if you have been given a muscle relaxant.
Do not drive until your vision returns to normal. Possible complications of barium tests Barium examinations are safe tests, but complications can sometimes occur. These may include: If a section of the digestive tract has an undiagnosed break or split perforation , the barium may leak into the abdominal cavity. If the bowel is obstructed, the barium can become impacted.
The barium can lodge in the appendix and cause appendicitis. There may be side effects such as blurred vision from the medications used during the test. It is possible to accidentally breathe in the barium meal instead of swallowing it this is very rare. Self-care after a barium test Be advised by your referring doctor or the radiology staff, but general suggestions include: Barium can cause constipation, so it is best to drink plenty of fluids for at least one full day following the test.
Eat more fruit and other high-fibre foods than usual for the next day or two. Long-term outlook after a barium test You will need to make another appointment with your doctor to discuss the results of your barium examination.
Other tests for examining the digestive tract Other tests are now more commonly used than the barium test to examine the digestive tract. These include: flexible endoscopy — an endoscope is a slender tube with a lens at one end and a telescope at the other. This is inserted through an orifice such as the mouth or anus or a small incision, and the doctor looks down the telescoped end for a magnified view computed tomography CT scan — the CT scan uses x-rays and digital computer technology to create an image of internal body structures.
Nowadays CT can be used to replace an endoscopy — this test is called a virtual colonoscopy. Where to get help Your GP doctor Radiology clinic staff. For example, you may need to lie on your side, back, or stomach.
The radiologist will ask you to take a swallow of a thick, chalky barium drink that resembles a shake. The barium is usually flavored like strawberry or chocolate, but it may not taste very good. The barium coats the lining of your GI tract.
As you swallow the barium, the radiologist will take single pictures, a series of X-rays, or fluoroscopy to watch the barium moving through your mouth and throat. The radiologist will use X-rays or fluoroscopy to watch the barium go down your esophagus and then through the rest of your GI tract. You may also be asked to swallow a barium tablet. This is a small pill that can help to show certain problems in the esophagus.
The technician may put pressure on your belly to help move the barium through your GI tract. Once the radiologist has taken all of the X-rays, you'll be helped from the table. You may go back to your normal diet and activities after a barium swallow, unless your healthcare provider tells you otherwise.
Barium may cause constipation or impacted stool after the procedure if it isn't completely cleared from your body. You may be told to drink plenty of fluids and eat foods high in fiber to help the rest of the barium leave your body. You may also be given a laxative to help with this. Your bowel movements may be white or lighter in color until all the barium has left your body. Your healthcare provider may give you other instructions, depending on your situation.
Search Encyclopedia. Barium Swallow What is a barium swallow? Why might I need a barium swallow? You may need a barium swallow if your healthcare provider thinks that you have: Cancer of the head, neck, pharynx, or esophagus Hiatal hernia.
Structural problems, such as pouches diverticula , narrowing strictures , or growths polyps Muscle disorders, such as trouble swallowing dysphagia or spasms Achalasia.
GERD gastroesophageal reflux disease Ulcers Your healthcare provider may have other reasons to advise a barium swallow. What are the risks of a barium swallow? Tell your provider if: You are pregnant or think you may be pregnant. You are allergic to or sensitive to medicines, contrast dyes, local anesthesia, iodine, or latex You may have constipation or impacted stool after the test if all of the barium does not pass out of your body. You should not have a barium swallow if you have: A tear or hole in your esophagus or intestines perforation Blockage in your intestines or severe constipation Severe problems with swallowing.
How do I get ready for a barium swallow? Tell your provider if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant. Follow any other instructions your provider gives you to get ready. What happens during a barium swallow? Generally, a barium swallow follows this process: You'll be asked to remove any clothing, jewelry, or other objects that may get in the way of the test.
If you're not sure about anything contact the x-ray department and ask the radiographer. If you're diabetic let your radiographer know as you may need to follow specific instructions.
Or your appointment may need to change to suit you. The test takes place in the x-ray department. You'll be given a hospital gown to change into. You also need to remove any jewellery, glasses metal objects or anything that may interfere with the x-ray picture. You can bring a friend or relative with you for support, but they're not usually allowed to go into the x-ray room with you. Once you are in the x-ray room, you drink the barium liquid.
This is sometimes fruit flavoured but can taste a bit chalky. The doctor radiologist or radiographer will want to take several pictures of you in different positions while you're swallowing the barium liquid. You might have an injection of a drug called Buscopan during the test to slow down the movement of your bowel.
This movement called peristalsis can change the scan and make it more difficult to read. Some people can get a little constipated after the test. To help prevent this drinking plenty of fluids and eat plenty of fruit and vegetables. You'll also have paler or white poo stools the first couple of times you go to the toilet.
Some people feel a bit sick after a barium swallow. This should get better as the barium passes through your system. You have a barium enema if your doctor wants to look at the inside of your bowel and back passage. This test takes around 40 minutes. The day before the test, you usually need to take some medicine a laxative to clear out your bowel. You will have an information leaflet from the hospital to tell you how to take the laxative and what you can eat and drink.
You may be told:. Most people find this test a little undignified and a bit embarrassing, but it should not be too uncomfortable. You change into a hospital gown before the test. You need to remove any jewellery, metal objects or anything that may interfere with the x-ray picture. You lie on the x-ray table on your left side. The radiographer will put a small plastic tube into your back passage rectum. This may feel uncomfortable but not painful. A small balloon may be inflated to keep the tube there.
The radiographer moves the x-ray machine into position above you. They then put barium and water through a tube. It's important that you try to hold the liquid in your back passage. You'll have the sensation of being full and wanting to open your bowels. The radiographer will ask you to move or they will tilt the table so the barium spreads through the lower bowel.
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