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Barium enema

A barium enema is a test that helps to highlight the large bowel so it can be clearly seen on an X-ray.




Nowadays, barium enemas aren't carried out very often, as alternative tests such as a colonoscopy or CT scan are usually preferred.

But a barium enema can sometimes be a useful way of finding the cause of problems like blood in your stools or a constant change in your bowel habits.

Conditions that can be detected during a barium enema include:



You'll normally be asked to:

  • eat a light diet – for a few days leading up to the test, only eat low-fibre foods such as clear soup, white bread and lean meat



Barium enemas aren't done during pregnancy because the X-rays may harm the baby.




During the test:

  • you'll be asked to lie on your side on an X-ray table, and an injection of a medication called Buscopan may be given into your arm or hand to prevent involuntary bowel movements

The whole process usually takes around 30 to 45 minutes.



If you had a Buscopan injection, your vision may be blurry for 30 to 60 minutes, so you won't be able to drive during this time. It's best to arrange for someone to drive you home.

When you get home:

  • you can eat and drink as normal – drink plenty of fluids and eat high-fibre foods for the first few days to help stop the barium causing constipation



You'll probably feel uncomfortable when the air is pumped into your bowel during the test, similar to the feeling of having trapped wind.

You may have some bloating, wind or stomach cramps for a short while afterwards.


These include:

  • barium side effects – barium is usually harmless, but it can cause an upset stomach or constipation, and can cause an allergic reaction in very rare cases
  • radiation exposure – you'll be exposed to a small amount of radiation during the test; this is about the equivalent to what you would receive naturally from the environment over 3 years (for more information, see GOV.UK: patient dose information)
