What is a Barium Enema Procedure

If you find that you are not getting any relief from the colon cleansing products you are using, or if it seems like your health is not improving quickly enough, it may be time for you to have a barium enema procedure. This process will help to cleanse your GI tract, which will help you to get rid of diseases and increase your energy.

What is a Barium Enema Used For

When you visit the doctor for this procedure, a white liquid substance, called barium, is inserted into the rectum and colon. This makes the x-ray photos that the doctor will take of your colon much easier to see. From the x-rays, your doctor should be able to tell you whether or not your have dilation of the colon, diverticulosis, or rectum or colon cancer.

While a barium enema does put you at mild risk for radiation exposure, the process is safe. However, women who are pregnant or think they may be pregnant should notify the doctor before undergoing this procedure.

Barium Enema Preparation

In order to prepare for your barium enema, you should try to have as many bowel movements as possible before visiting the doctor. For this reason, many people consume a liquid diet a few days before the appointment, or take an enema to eliminate any additional wastes from the colon. You may also want to take a laxative of some sort the night before your doctor’s appointment to stimulate your digestive system. When the colon is cleaner, it is easier for the doctor to examine the small intestine to let you know whether or not you need to undergo further treatment.

After you have had your barium enema, you can go over the results with your doctor, once he or she receives the results from the radiologist. Your doctor can have the films of the procedure sent to his or her office as well, so that you can see where there may be abnormal growths or impurities that need to be taken care of.

If you think that you need a barium enema or want to schedule a colonoscopy, you should consult with your doctor about colon health and health practices you may need to adopt before you go through with the procedure. Your GP can also advise or at least help you find a specialist in your area that can help

You may need to take additional supplements after your barium enema appointment, so make sure that you discuss which supplements are best to take in order to regulate your digestive system and improve the function of your immune system.