Barium studies ( Meal, Swallow , Follow-Through, Enema ) IN Kota

Barium studies ( Meal, Swallow , Follow-Through, Enema
What are barium studies?
These are studies of the gastro-intestinal tract performed using barium sulphate and X-rays.
What are the different types of barium studies?
Depending on the area being examined, we have Barium Swallow, Barium Meal, Barium Meal-Follow-through, Barium Enema and Small Bowel Enema.
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Barium Study – Enema | Barium Study – Bowel Enema |
What are these for?
Barium Swallow is a study for the esophagus, Barium Meal for the stomach, Barium Meal Follow-through for the small bowel, Barium Enema for the large bowel and Small Bowel Enema for the small bowel. In Swallow, Meal and Meal-Follow-through examinations, the patient has to drink barium. In Barium Enema examinations, barium is given using an enema tube. In Small Bowel Enema examinations (enteroclysis), a tube is inserted from the nose to the duodenum and barium is administered.
How do barium examinations work?
Barium is an inert substance that coats the internal lining of the bowel and fills up its lumen. It is radio-opaque and thus seen very well on X-rays.
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Barium Study – Meal Follow Through | Barium Study – Stomach |
Is there any danger?
Barium is an inert substance that coats the internal lining of the bowel and fills up its lumen. It is radio-opaque and thus seen very well on X-rays.
What preparation is required?
- For Barium Swallow – none
- For Barium Meal – at least six hours fasting
- For Barium Meal-Follow-through, overnight fasting with laxative tablets for clearing the bowel
- For Small Bowel and Barium Enema, overnight fasting with liquid diet the day before and aggressive clearing of the bowel with laxative tablets the night before and in the morning.
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Barium Study – Swallow | How much time do they take? |
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Frequently Asked Questions
- A barium study is a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses barium sulfate, a contrast agent, to visualize the gastrointestinal (GI) tract on X-rays. It helps identify abnormalities in the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, or colon.
Barium is a chalky liquid that coats the lining of the GI tract, making it visible on X-ray images. It helps highlight abnormalities like ulcers, tumors, blockages, or inflammation.
- Yes, barium studies are generally safe. However, they involve exposure to radiation, so they are not recommended for pregnant women. Allergic reactions to barium are rare.
- Preparation varies depending on the type of study:
- Barium Swallow/Meal: Typically requires fasting for 6-8 hours before the test.
- Barium Enema: Requires bowel cleansing (using laxatives or enemas) to empty the colon.
Your healthcare provider will give specific instructions.
Barium typically clears from the digestive system within 24-72 hours. Drinking plenty of water and consuming fiber-rich foods can help speed up the process.
Yes, but it’s recommended to drink plenty of fluids to help pass the barium and prevent constipation.
Barium studies ( Meal, Swallow , Follow-Through, Enema Categories
Barium Swallow Study |
Barium Meal Study |
Barium Meal Follow-Through |
Barium Enema |
Small Bowel Enema (Enteroclysis) |
Esophageal Motility Study |
Gastric Emptying Study |
Upper Gastrointestinal (UGI) Series |
Lower Gastrointestinal (LGI) Series |
Fluoroscopic Examination of the Gastrointestinal Tract |
Double Contrast Barium Enema |
Single Contrast Barium Enema |
Barium Contrast Imaging for Esophagus |
Barium Contrast Imaging for Stomach |
Barium Contrast Imaging for Small Bowel |
Barium Contrast Imaging for Large Bowel |
Barium Meal with Air Contrast |
Barium Swallow with Videofluoroscopy |
Barium Follow-Through with Small Bowel Imaging |
Post-Procedure Imaging and Analysis |