Barium Enema

Barium Enema

A barium enema is a test used to examine the lower gastrointestinal tract. It is a helpful tool to diagnose disease and problems affecting the lower intestine. There are two types of barium enemas.

The single-contrast test involves filling the lower intestine with a contrast material that contains barium and taking x-rays of the lower gastrointestinal tract. With the double-contrast, or air-contrast, barium enema, the colon is filled with the contrast material and then drained. The colon is then filled with air.

A barium enema is used to check for polyps and colon cancer. It is suggested that people without an increased risk of colon cancer to have regular screenings for the disease beginning at age fifty. The American Cancer Society suggests that people get double-contrast barium enemas every five years.

It is also used to monitor the progression of diseases that affect the lower intestine, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. There is a risk that any barium left in the colon could harden and cause severe constipation or impaction. Therefore, it is important to drink extra fluids after the test. Call your doctor if you experience rectal bleeding, fever, or severe abdominal pain after having a barium enema.