About barium enema

What is barium enema?

A lower GI series, also known as a barium enema, barium enema procedure, barium enema X-ray or double-contrast barium enema, is an X-ray test in which a white liquid, called barium, is infused through a catheter (tube) inserted through the anus and into the rectum until it fills the large bowel (colon). X-ray films of the colon then are taken so that the outline of the colon can be seen. The barium enema and double contrast barium enema are used to define normal and abnormal anatomy of the colon and rectum. Colon and rectal abnormalities that can be detected include diverticulosis, polyps, dilation of the colon, Hirschsprung disease in infants, and colon cancers.

What are the causes for barium enema?

A barium enema is an X-ray examination of the lower GI tract. The X-ray highlights the large intestine, including the rectum, by filling the colon with barium sulfate liquid suspension. •Barium is significant for highlighting specific parts of the body, thereby, picturizing a clear image. •The barium solution is delivered using an enema. It is a process where the doctor pushes a liquid into the rectum via the anus. •The barium solution helps in improving the image quality of the X-ray by highlighting the target arts of the body. •The X-ray utilized in this procedure is referred to as fluoroscopy. It helps the radiologists witness the internal organs in motion by examining the flow of barium solution via the intestinal tract. •The barium enema is free of sedation or painkillers but there may be moments of minimum discomfort for the individual. Causes for barium enema To diagnose a functional or structural abnormality of the large intestine, barium enema is performed. These abnormalities include: 1. Crohn’s disease: Inflammation and ulceration in any part of the GI tract 2. Ulcerative colitis: Inflammation and ulceration of the large intestine 3. Polyps and obstructions 4. Cancer 5. Unusual bloating 6. Unexplained weight loss 7. Changes in bowel movement 8. Irritable bowel syndrome

What are the treatments for barium enema?

A barium enema is a diagnostic medical imaging (X-ray) test used to detect any signs and symptoms caused by abdominal abnormalities, particularly large intestine abnormalities (colon). To examine and diagnose any irregularities in the large intestine, liquid barium is injected into the colon through the rectum via the anus (enema) to obtain a clear image of the inner lining of the colon.

A barium enema may be recommended by your doctor to detect the following:

  • Inflammation of the stomach and intestines (gastroenteritis)
  • Polyps growth
  • Colorectal cancer
  • Rectal bleeding, etc.


The following are some methods for avoiding gastrointestinal (GI) tract problems:

  • Keep an eye on stool size: larger and more frequent bowel movements indicate healthy digestive function. Constipation and a decrease in stool weight may be early warning signs that you should see a doctor.
  • Constipation is a nutrient deficiency condition: The nutrient deficiency is fiber, which is only found in plants. As a result, increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables while drinking plenty of water can help you avoid constipation.
  • Surgical removal: As diseases such as colon cancer and polyps progress, treatment becomes more difficult and ineffective, and they must be surgically removed. Regular screening is therefore recommended to detect these in their early stages.
  • Doctors may prescribe laxatives to help stimulate bowel movements and relieve constipation.


Conditions
Bowel issues,Gastric issues
Drugs
Barium solution
Symptoms
Polyps and obstructions,Cancer,Unusual bloating,Unexplained weight loss

What are the risk factors for barium enema?

A barium enema exam poses few risks. Rarely, complications of a barium enema exam may include:

  • Inflammation in tissues surrounding the colon
  • Obstruction in the gastrointestinal tract
  • Tear in the colon wall
  • Allergic reaction to barium

Barium enema exams generally aren't done during pregnancy because X-rays present a risk to the developing fetus.

Is there a cure/medications for barium enema?

A barium enema is a diagnostic medical imaging (X-ray) test used to detect any signs and symptoms caused by abdominal abnormalities, particularly large intestine abnormalities (colon). To examine and diagnose any irregularities in the large intestine, liquid barium is injected into the colon through the rectum via the anus (enema) to obtain a clear image of the inner lining of the colon.

A barium enema may be recommended by your doctor to detect the following:

  • Inflammation of the stomach and intestines (gastroenteritis)
  • Polyps growth
  • Colorectal cancer
  • Rectal bleeding, etc.

The following are some methods for avoiding gastrointestinal (GI) tract problems:

  • Keep an eye on stool size: larger and more frequent bowel movements indicate healthy digestive function. Constipation and a decrease in stool weight may be early warning signs that you should see a doctor.
  • Constipation is a nutrient deficiency condition: The nutrient deficiency is fiber, which is only found in plants. As a result, increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables while drinking plenty of water can help you avoid constipation.
  • Surgical removal: As diseases such as colon cancer and polyps progress, treatment becomes more difficult and ineffective, and they must be surgically removed. Regular screening is therefore recommended to detect these in their early stages.
  • Doctors may prescribe laxatives to help stimulate bowel movements and relieve constipation.


Conditions
Bowel issues,Gastric issues
Drugs
Barium solution
Symptoms
Polyps and obstructions,Cancer,Unusual bloating,Unexplained weight loss

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