Barium X-ray
This is a special type of X-ray that can show up parts of your digestive system, such as your oesophagus or bowel.
About barium X-rays
Barium is a white, chalky liquid that shows up clearly on X-rays, helping to identify any abnormalities.
A barium X-ray is a special type of X-ray that can show up parts of your digestive system. Types of barium X-ray include:
- Barium swallow - this is used to look at the oesophagus and pharynx (throat)
- Barium enema - this is used to look at the large bowel (colon)
Before the test
Barium swallow
You must fast (not eat) for around 6 hours before the test. The hospital should provide written instructions before the test about fasting and whether you need to stop taking certain medications.
Barium enema
The day before your barium X-ray, you will be given a laxative to clear out your bowel. The hospital will provide you with details of this, as well as instructions on what you can eat and drink prior to the test. You may need to fast (not eat) on the day of the test.
The medical team will ask you to sign a consent form before the X-ray. Make sure you speak to your medical team about any questions or concerns you may have.
Having the test
Barium swallow
The test will take place in the X-ray department. You will be asked to drink barium liquid, which can taste chalky. As you drink the barium, your doctor will watch it on an X-ray screen as it travels down your oesophagus towards your stomach.
X-ray pictures are taken as you drink the barium in different positions, to see if there are any abnormal areas.
Barium enema
The test will take place in the X-ray department. You will be asked to lie on your left side and the radiologist will insert a small tube into your back passage. They will then put the barium liquid through the tube.
The barium will outline the bowel and show up any abnormal areas on the X-ray screen. The radiologist will ask you to change position and hold your breath as they take pictures of the bowel. Once they have all the pictures they need, they will remove the tube.
Does it hurt?
Barium swallow
You should not feel any pain during the test.
Barium enema
You may feel some discomfort and cramping during the test while the barium passes through your bowel.
How long does it take?
Barium swallow
This test takes around 15-20 minutes.
Barium enema
This test takes around 30-40 minutes.
After the test
Barium swallow
You can go home straight after the test and eat and drink as normal.
Barium enema
You can eat and drink straight after the test. You may have some mild cramping and loose bowel motions (poo) as the barium works its way out of your system, so you may need to stay in the X-ray department until you feel comfortable to leave.
Will there be any side-effects?
After a barium X-ray, your bowel motions (poo) will be white or chalky looking for a few days - this is normal.
If you feel a bit constipated, drink plenty of fluids and eat lots of fruit and vegetables. This will help you to have a bowel motion.
If you are concerned about any side-effects, you should contact the hospital you attended or your GP.
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