Has your doctor told you that you need a special test to diagnose a stomach problem or digestive problem? When you say that, you may have been told to have a test called a barium enema. Some people get a little scared and nervous when they hear this name. But it's actually a test that's done very often and there's nothing to be afraid of. So today, we'll talk about it very simply, in a way that you can understand.
What is Barium Sulfate?
Simply put, barium sulfate is a special liquid. More precisely, it's called a 'contrast agent.' It's used to make your digestive system, especially the large intestine, show up clearly on an X-ray.
Imagine, when you take a normal X-ray, the soft parts inside our body, like the intestines, are not clearly visible. So when this barium liquid is sent inside the body, it is smeared on the walls of the intestines. Then when you take the X-ray, the doctor can see the shape of the intestines, any abnormalities, tumors, and injuries very clearly. It's like using a flashlight to see something in a dark room.
Things you need to tell the doctor before this test
Before having this test, it is extremely important to discuss certain things about your health with your doctor. Because the safety of the test depends on that information. Be sure to tell them these things.
| Your health condition | Why should I tell you about it? (Simple explanation) |
|---|---|
| Asthma, eczema, or other severe allergies | Barium is something that can cause allergies in some people. If you have pre-existing allergies, being aware of them can help you get treatment quickly if you have a reaction. |
| Suspected intestinal blockage or perforation | If there is a hole in the intestine, the barium liquid can leak into the stomach and cause serious infections. So this is a very important point. |
| Cancer of the colon or stomach | Cancer can weaken the intestinal walls, so this information helps to make the examination more careful. |
| If you have recently had a rectal biopsy | A biopsy is a procedure that involves taking a piece of tissue for examination. It takes some time for the area to heal. During that time, an enema can be harmful. |
| Allergies to barium, latex, other medications, foods, dyes | It is very important for safety to tell us about any allergies you have. |
| Being pregnant or trying to get pregnant | X-rays are not usually done during pregnancy because they are not good for the baby. Therefore, it is imperative to tell the doctor about this. |
| Being a breastfeeding mother | It is important to talk to your doctor about this as well and seek advice. |
How to do the test?
This medicine is given to you through the rectum as an enema. Don't worry, this is done in the hospital by trained medical staff.
Your bowels should be completely clean before the test. Your doctor or hospital will give you instructions on what to do (for example, eating only liquids, drinking a special drink). Following these instructions exactly is very important for the success of the test. If you don't understand the instructions, don't be shy and ask them again to make sure you understand.
If this test is performed on young children, special care is required. So, talk to your child's doctor about it and get advice.
What to do if you feel like you've taken too much medicine?
This is done in a hospital setting, so the chances of this happening are very low. However, if you suspect you have overdosed, you should immediately contact the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the nearest Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU).
Things to consider after the test
Your work is not over after the test is over. There is one more important thing you need to do.
- Drink plenty of water: This is the most important thing. Barium can cause constipation if it stays in your body, making it difficult to pass stool. So, drinking plenty of water throughout the day will help flush the barium out of your body.
- White stool: Your stool may be white or chalky for a few days after the test. Don't worry about this. This is very normal. It's the barium that's been in your body. Your stool will return to its normal color in a few days.
- Unusual symptoms: If you experience an unexplained fever, blood in your stool, or severe stomach pain after the test, these are not normal. If this happens, you should inform your doctor immediately .
What side effects might I experience?
As with any medical test, some people may experience minor side effects. However, serious side effects are very rare.
| Classification of side effects | |
|---|---|
| Things to report to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the lips, tongue or face. |
| Difficulty breathing | Shortness of breath, feeling like your chest is being squeezed. |
| Stomach ache/fullness | Severe stomach cramps, bloating. |
| Vomiting | Persistent vomiting. |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Constipation | It could be because you haven't been drinking enough water. |
| A slight stomachache. | It may occur some time after the test. |
| Diarrhea | Some people may experience it. |
Will this conflict with other medications I am taking?
It is very rare for other medications to interact with the barium swallow. However, during the preparation period for the test , which includes the days of bowel cleansing, you should definitely ask your doctor if you need to stop taking any medications you normally take (e.g., diabetes or blood pressure medications). Do not stop or take medications on your own.
Take-Home Message
- A barium enema is a routine, non-invasive test to check the condition of your colon.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about your health conditions (especially allergies, pregnancy) before the test.
- Follow the instructions carefully to prepare for the test. If you don't understand, ask again.
- It is essential to drink plenty of water after the test. This will help flush the barium out of your body and prevent constipation.
- It's normal for your stool to be white for a few days. Don't worry about it.
- If you have severe stomach pain, fever, or blood in your stool, seek medical advice immediately.
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