That persistent ache in your belly, the one that’s been a bit of a mystery. Or maybe it’s those unpredictable trips to the loo that have you wondering what’s going on. I often see folks in my clinic – that look of concern when your body’s sending confusing signals. When we need to get a really good look at what’s happening inside your large intestine, one of the tools we might discuss is a barium enema.
It sounds a bit technical, I know. But really, it’s a special kind of X-ray that helps us see your large intestine – that’s your colon, rectum, and anus – in detail. You might also hear it called a colon X-ray, a lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract radiography, or simply a lower GI exam.
Why Might You Need a Barium Enema?
So, why would we suggest this particular test? Well, a barium enema can be really helpful in figuring out what’s causing certain symptoms or to check for a few specific conditions. For instance, it can help us spot:
- Colonic volvulus (that’s when the large intestine gets twisted – ouch!)
- Colorectal cancer or colon polyps (growths that can sometimes turn into cancer)
- Diverticulosis or diverticulitis (these are little bulges or pockets that can form in the colon wall and sometimes get inflamed)
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), like ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
- A large bowel obstruction (a blockage in your intestine)
I might bring up a barium enema if you’ve been experiencing things like:
- Ongoing abdominal pain
- Seeing blood in your stool (your poop)
- Noticeable changes in your bowel habits – maybe more frequent, or less
- Persistent constipation
- Ongoing diarrhea
- Unexplained weight loss
Now, for many of these situations, a colonoscopy is another common and very good test. We’ll always sit down and talk about which approach is the best fit for you and what you’re going through.
You might be wondering who’ll be there with you. Usually, a radiology technician or a radiologist will carry out the barium enema. Think of them as the highly skilled photographers of the medical world; they specialize in getting these important internal pictures of your body.
How Does a Barium Enema Work?
So, how does this all work? Well, it’s pretty clever. We use a special kind of X-ray called fluoroscopy, which is like a live-action movie of your insides. The star of this show is barium, a chalky, white liquid. Now, I know what you might be thinking – ‘chalky liquid?’ – but it’s perfectly safe and does an amazing job. It coats the inner lining of your large intestine.
This coating makes these areas stand out bright and clear on the X-ray, allowing us to see their shape, the condition of the lining, and their size in detail. It’s like shining a spotlight in a dark room, helping us see what we need to see.
Getting Ready: Before Your Barium Enema
Now, getting ready for this test does take a bit of prep, but it’s all to make sure we get the best possible images. Don’t worry, we’ll give you very clear instructions. Usually, this involves:
- Avoiding solid foods and dairy products for a little while before the test.
- Sticking to clear fluids – things like broth, water, and even popsicles are often okay.
- You might need to pause certain medications for a few hours or days. We’ll let you know exactly which ones.
- And, the bit most people don’t love but is super important: taking laxatives to completely empty your bowels. Common ones include magnesium citrate, bisacodyl tablets, or bisacodyl suppositories. Yes, that means a bit of extra bathroom time, but it’s key for clear pictures!
On the Day: What to Expect During the Test
A barium enema usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour. Here’s a rundown of what typically happens:
- First, you’ll change out of your clothes and into a hospital gown. No jewelry either, please.
- Then, you’ll lie on your side on an exam table, which is positioned under an X-ray machine.
- We might take a quick X-ray first, just to double-check that your bowels are nice and empty.
- Next, a small, lubricated tube is gently inserted into your anus. Through this tube, the barium liquid is slowly introduced into your intestine.
- Sometimes, we might add a little air through the tube as well. This is called a double-contrast barium enema, and it can help us see even more detail. It can make you feel a bit more bloated, but it helps.
- As the barium fills your intestine, the radiology team will start taking several X-ray images.
- They’ll likely ask you to change positions a few times – maybe roll onto your back, or your other side. You might also be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds here and there. It’s all to get pictures from different angles.
Will It Be Painful?
Now, the big question a lot of folks have: Is a barium enema painful? The good news is, it shouldn’t be. You might feel some sensations, though. Things like:
- A bit of cramping
- Some general discomfort
- A feeling of fullness or bloating, kind of like after a big meal
- A little pressure
- And yes, you might feel a strong urge to go to the bathroom.
Deep breaths can be your best friend here. Seriously, just focusing on slow, steady breathing can help you relax. Try your best to hold off on that bathroom trip until the team says it’s okay – it helps us get the clearest pictures.
After the Test: What Happens Next?
Once the team has all the images they need, they’ll gently remove the tube. And then, finally, you can head to the bathroom!
For the next few days, it’s a good idea to:
- Drink plenty of fluids, especially water.
- Eat foods with a good amount of fiber – think whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. This helps to, well, get the barium moving out of your system.
- We might also suggest you take a mild laxative to help things along.
Don’t be surprised if your stool (poop) looks white, gray, or a very light brown for a few days. That’s completely normal – it’s just the barium making its exit!
Are There Any Risks?
Barium enemas are generally very safe procedures. Like any medical test, though, there are some rare complications we should mention:
- An allergic reaction to barium (this is uncommon).
- A perforation (a tiny tear) in the lining of your colon. Again, very rare.
- Severe constipation (sometimes called impaction) or even an obstruction if the barium hardens up inside. This is why drinking fluids and fiber afterward is so important.
It’s also good to know that while barium itself isn’t radioactive, X-rays do use a small amount of radiation. We always use the lowest amount possible to get the information we need, and the benefit of the test far outweighs this small exposure.
Getting Your Results
After the test, a radiologist – that’s the doctor who specializes in reading X-rays and other medical images – will carefully examine all the pictures. They’ll write up a report and send it to me, or whichever doctor ordered your test.
We’ll then schedule a follow-up appointment or give you a call to discuss the results. This usually takes anywhere from a day to a few days. We’ll go over what the images showed and what the next steps might be for you.
When to Call Your Doctor After a Barium Enema
While complications are rare, it’s always good to know what to watch out for after your barium enema. Please get in touch with us or seek medical attention right away if you experience any of these:
- Abdominal distention (your belly feels very swollen or tight)
- Feeling dizzy or very weak
- Developing a fever
- You’re unable to poop or pass gas within two days after the test
- You see rectal bleeding (blood in your poop that’s not from the barium)
- You have severe abdominal pain
These are signals that something might need a closer look.
Key Things to Remember About Your Barium Enema
- A barium enema is a special X-ray that helps us examine your large intestine for issues like polyps, inflammation, or blockages.
- Preparation is really important! You’ll need to follow specific diet instructions and take laxatives to make sure your bowels are clear for the best images.
- The test itself usually lasts between 30 and 60 minutes. You might feel some cramping or a sense of fullness, but it shouldn’t be painful.
- After the test, it’s normal for your poop to be a bit light-colored for a day or two – that’s just the barium passing through your system.
- It’s a generally safe test, but always call your doctor if you experience severe pain, fever, or can’t have a bowel movement after your barium enema. We’re here to help!
Remember, going through any medical test can bring up questions or anxieties. We’re here to walk you through it, every step of the way. You’re not on your own.
