A laxative is a medicine that helps to clear out the bowel.ĭuring the test, the person lies on their side on a table in the X-ray room. A person will be given a laxative the day before having a barium enema test. This test usually takes about 40 minutes. The barium enema test is similar to the barium swallow test and is used by doctors to examine the colon and rectum. Share on Pinterest A barium enema allows doctors to examine the colon and rectum.Īnother type of barium test is a barium enema. However, those who take long-acting insulin should continue taking this. They should bring their insulin and some food to have after the test. People who use insulin will be asked to miss their morning dose and maybe the previous evening’s dose. Instead, they should bring their tablets and some food to the exam to have after it is complete. If the person takes tablets to control their diabetes, the doctor will tell them not to take the medicine before the test. If someone has diabetes then the doctor will schedule a morning appointment for the barium swallow. If someone has glaucoma or heart problems and needs to have a barium swallow, the doctor may not give the stomach-relaxing injection. People should not have a barium swallow test if they are pregnant. Sometimes, the injection given to relax the stomach can cause temporary blurred vision. However, the amount of radiation a person is exposed to is minimal. Some people might worry about being exposed to radiation as part of the X-ray process. It is normal for people to have white-colored stools the first few times they use the toilet after having a barium swallow test. Symptoms of nausea should improve as the barium passes through the system. Drinking lots of fluids can help to relieve constipation. Patients may feel nauseous after a barium swallow test or become constipated. The results usually arrive within 1-2 weeks. People do not have to stay in hospital after the test and are free to go home as soon as it is complete. This allows the liquid to travel through the body, and for the radiologist and radiographer to take a selection of images.

In some cases, a person will be given an injection to relax their stomach.Ī person will be standing for some parts of the examination, and lying down on a tilting table for other parts. Share on Pinterest A person will lie on a tilting table for part of the examination.

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