Do you sometimes experience stomach pain or changes in bowel habits? In such cases, a doctor may order a special test to see what is going on inside your colon. That is what a barium enema is. Today, we will talk about this in a simple way that you can understand.
What is a Barium Enema?
Simply put, a barium enema is a special X-ray that is used to take clear pictures of the inside of your large intestine . It is also called a colon X-ray, which is an X-ray of the large intestine. In other words, it is a lower GI (Gastrointestinal) exam, which looks at the lower part of your digestive system, such as your colon and rectum.
This involves injecting a special liquid into your colon and then taking X-ray pictures. The doctor can then see if there are any problems or changes inside your colon.
Why is this test done? / In what situations is this needed?
Imagine, you have a constant stomach ache, or you have blood in your stool, or your bowel habits have suddenly changed. Maybe you have constipation, or you have frequent bowel movements. You may also have symptoms like losing weight for no reason. At times like these, your doctor may suspect that there is something wrong with your colon.
That's when you'll be asked to do this Barium Enema test. There are several diseases that can be detected with this test:
- Colonic volvulus: This means that the large intestine is twisted in one place.
- Colorectal cancer and colon polyps: These are abnormal growths that occur in the colon.
- Diverticulosis or Diverticulitis: This is the development of small pouches (like pouches) in the wall of the intestine, which sometimes become infected.
- Inflammatory bowel disease: Conditions such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease can cause damage to the lining of the intestines.
- Large bowel obstruction: Difficulty in passing food and stool due to a blockage somewhere in the intestine.
If you have these symptoms, your doctor may order this test:
- Persistent abdominal pain
- Blood in your stool
- Change in toilet habits (e.g., not as before, now having frequent bowel movements or constipation)
- Sudden onset of constipation
- Frequent diarrhea (Diarrhea)
- Unexplained weight loss
Sometimes a test called a ``Colonoscopy'' is also performed to detect these types of diseases. Your doctor will decide which test is best for you.
Who is doing this test?
This barium enema test is usually performed by a radiology technician or radiologist , who are specially trained in this type of medical imaging.
How does this happen? / How is the test done?
What happens in this is that first a white, chalky liquid called barium is injected into your colon. This barium is a `contrast medium`, a substance that helps the inside of the colon to show up clearly on `X-ray` pictures.
This barium liquid is smeared on the inner wall of your colon. Then, when the X-ray machine takes pictures, the doctor can see the shape of the colon, the inner lining, and how big it is. This uses a special X-ray technique called Fluoroscopy. To be precise, it looks like a moving X-ray picture.
How do you prepare before the test?
This is very important. Your doctor will tell you a few things to do before the test. You need to follow them exactly. Otherwise, you may not get a clear result from the test.
Usually, they say things like this:
- Avoid solid foods and dairy products: You are advised not to eat these for a day or two before the test.
- Drink only clear liquids: water, salted soup broth (without oil), and sweetened fruit juice (without chunks, for example, ice-sweetened orange juice).
- Stop taking certain medications for a few days: Tell your doctor about any medications you are taking. Some medications may need to be stopped for a few days or hours before the test.
- Take laxatives to cleanse the colon: This is a must-do. If there is stool in the colon, the images are not clear. Therefore, the doctor may give you a laxative to drink or a medicine to put in the rectum. For example, magnesium citrate liquid, bisacodyl tablets, or suppositories can be given.
Remember, it is very important to follow the doctor's instructions exactly!
What happens on the day of the test?
A barium enema test can usually take about 30 minutes to an hour .
On the day of the test, the following things happen:
1. First, you will be asked to remove your clothes, jewelry, and watches. Then, you will be asked to wear a special gown provided by the hospital.
2. Next, you will be taken to the room where the X-ray machine is located and asked to lie on your side on an examination table under the X-ray machine.
3. First, they take an `X-ray` to see if your stomach is empty, which means the laxative has worked properly.
4. Then, a small, thin tube with lubricant is inserted into your anus, and the barium liquid is passed through the tube into your large intestine.
5. Sometimes, to help the colon expand a little more and the images become clearer, a little air may be injected through the tube. This is called a double-contrast barium enema .
6. Then several X-ray pictures are taken.
7. You will be asked to move your body slightly, and maybe hold your breath for a moment. This is done so that the images can be seen clearly from all sides of the intestine.
Does this hurt?
Most people do not feel much pain during this test. However, you may experience some minor discomfort:
- It's like a little stomach ache (Cramps).
- Discomfort
- A feeling of fullness or bloating
- Pressure as if something is pushing inside the stomach.
- Urge to poop
At times like this , take a deep breath and try to relax . Even if you feel like you need to pee, don't go to the bathroom until the doctor or nurse tells you to. You have to control it a little.
What happens after the test?
After the doctor takes all the pictures he needs, he will remove the tube that was inserted into your rectum. Then you can go to the bathroom.
You should do these things for a few days after the test:
- Drink plenty of water and fluids.
- Eat more fiber-rich foods . For example, whole grains (like brown rice, barley), vegetables, and fruits. These will help the barium pass out of your body more quickly and help your bowel movements become more regular.
- Your doctor may also tell you to take another laxative.
The most important thing is that your stool may be white, gray, or light brown for a few days after the test. This is normal, don't worry. It's because the barium is leaving your body.
Are there any risks in this?
Barium enema tests are generally very safe . However, although very rare, complications such as these can occur:
- Allergic reaction to barium.
- Perforation (tear) in your colon lining.
- The barium becomes stuck in the intestine, causing severe constipation (impaction) or intestinal obstruction.
Barium is a liquid that does not have any radioactivity. However, when taking X-ray pictures, you are exposed to a small amount of radiation. But that is a very small amount.
How long does it take to know the results?
The radiologist will carefully review the X-ray images taken during the test, prepare a report, and send it to the doctor who referred you for the test.
Your doctor will then schedule a date to see you again, or call you to tell you the results. They will also tell you what to do next. This can take anywhere from a day or two to several days .
If something like this happens after the test, you should tell the doctor immediately!
If you experience any of the following symptoms after a barium enema, you should seek immediate medical attention . These may be signs of one of the complications mentioned above:
- Abdominal distention
- Dizziness or weakness
- Fever
- The inability to pass gas or defecate even two days after the test
- Rectal bleeding (if blood comes with the stool)
- Severe abdominal pain that is unbearable
Finally, things to remember
Okay, so I hope you now have a better understanding of the Barium Enema test we talked about today.
Simply put, this is a special X-ray that looks at the inside of your large intestine (colon, rectum, and anus). This test is usually ordered if you have unexplained stomach pain, changes in bowel habits, or if your doctor suspects that you have a bowel disorder.
It is very important to follow the doctor's instructions exactly before having a test like this. If you have any questions or doubts, talk to the doctor or nurse. There is nothing to be afraid of, this is a safe test in most cases.
` Barium Enema, Barium Enema, Large Intestine, Colon X-ray, Digestive System, Stomach Ache, Constipation, Laxative, X-ray Examination
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