Barium Enema

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Barium enema, also called BE, is an x-ray procedure to examine the lower gastrointestinal tract (GIT) using barium. Liquid barium is a white, chalky contrast material that helps the colon show up better on the x-ray. Barium enema is used to help diagnose diseases and other problems that affect the lower GIT. These may include abdominal (stomach) pain, bleeding, blockage, cancer (tumor), polyps (growths), or diverticuli (pouches in the intestinal wall). The lower GIT is made up of the colon (large bowel) and rectum (rear end). The colon is the long tube that connects the small bowel with the anus (opening through which stool passes). The colon absorbs water from digested foods and turns the digested food into stool. It stores the stool until it passes out through your anus.
  
  
• A barium enema may be done on an out-patient basis or during a hospital stay. Barium enemas may use a single contrast (barium only) or double contrast (barium and air). Barium is put in through a tube that is inserted into your rectum. The colon may also be filled with air to distend (expand) it and give better images. With a barium enema, conditions of the lower GIT may be diagnosed, and proper treatment may be given.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

Take your medicine as directed.

Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell him if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

• Pain medicine: You may need medicine to take away or decrease pain.
  
  
  • Learn how to take your medicine. Ask what medicine and how much you should take. Be sure you know how, when, and how often to take it.
    
    
  • Do not wait until the pain is severe before you take your medicine. Tell caregivers if your pain does not decrease.
    
    
  • Pain medicine can make you dizzy or sleepy. Prevent falls by calling someone when you get out of bed or if you need help.
  
  
• Stool softeners: This medicine makes it easier for you to have a bowel movement. You may need this medicine to treat or prevent constipation.

Ask for information about where and when to go for follow-up visits:

For continuing care, treatments, or home services, ask for more information.

• Ask your caregiver when the results of your procedure will be available.
  
  

Bowel movements:

• This is also called BM or having a stool. Your BM may be lightly-colored from the barium for 24 to 72 hours. You may also become constipated (dry, hard stools) after having the procedure. Do not strain or push down hard while having a BM to prevent bleeding. Check to make sure your stools are not black or have blood in them.
  
  
• Walking is the best way to get your bowels moving. Eat foods high in fiber to make it easier to have a BM. Good examples are high fiber cereals, beans, vegetables, and whole grain breads. Prune juice may help make your BM softer. Caregivers may give you fiber medicine or a stool softener to help make your BMs softer and more regular. Ask your caregiver for more information about your medicines and if you should continue to take laxatives and use enemas.

Eat healthy foods:

Choose healthy foods from all the food groups every day. Include whole-grain bread, cereal, rice, and pasta. Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables, including dark green and orange vegetables. Include dairy products such as low-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese. Choose protein sources, such as lean beef and chicken, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts. Ask how many servings of fats, oils, and sweets you should have each day, and if you need to be on a special diet.

Drinking liquids:

Adults should drink about 9 to 13 cups of liquid each day. One cup is 8 ounces. Good choices of liquids for most people include water, juice, and milk. Coffee, soup, and fruit may be counted in your daily liquid amount. Ask your caregiver how much liquid you should drink each day.

Rest:

Rest when you feel it is needed. Slowly start to do more each day. Return to your daily activities as directed.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a feeling of being too full or bloated.
  
  
• You have a fever.
  
  
• You have nausea (upset stomach) or vomiting (throwing up).
  
  
• You are unable to have a BM.
  
  
• You have stools that are still light-colored and very thin (like a pencil).
  
  
• Your skin is itchy, swollen, or has a rash.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your procedure, condition, or care.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You are not able to eat or drink, or are urinating less or not at all.
  
  
• You have problems having a bowel movement or passing urine.
  
  
• You have trouble breathing all of a sudden.
  
  
• Your abdomen becomes tender and hard.
  
  
• Your signs and symptoms are getting worse.
  
  
• Your stools are black or have blood in them.
  
  
• Your vomit (throw up) has blood or bile in it.