Barium Drink

This may take up to two weeks to reach your doctor but may be sooner.

Barium drink. Liquid barium is a white chalky solution that helps healthcare providers see the esophagus more clearly. However if you drink a white liquid that contains a chemical called barium sulfate the outline of the upper parts of the gut oesophagus stomach and small intestines shows up clearly on X-ray pictures. The barium can be seen on an X-ray as it passes through the digestive tract.

You will drink about 1 12 cups of a barium preparation-a chalky drink with the consistency but not the flavor of a milk shake. To help prevent this drink plenty of clear fluids and try to eat vegetables fruit and foods high in fibre for a few days. Its often mixed with water to make a thick drink that looks like a milkshake.

Barium sulfate may cause severe constipation. Save the last third and bring it with you to your appointment. Barium sulfate works by coating the inside of your esophagus stomach or intestines which allows them to be seen more clearly on a CT scan or other radiologic x-ray examination.

You may also be given a laxative to help with this. It is a non-iodinated contrast media. Instructions for taking Oral Contrast Barium Sulfate Begin drinking the contrast one and a half hours before your scheduled exam time.

Barium will work better if your stomach and bowels are empty. A report will be sent to the doctor who requested your test. Nothing I love better first thing in the morning that a tasty and refreshing pint of barium-banana flavored goodness.

Barium is not without its side effects however. Barium may cause constipation or impacted stool after the swallowing test if it isnt completely cleared from your body. To do a barium swallow you swallow a chalky white substance known as barium.