Introduction

Barium tests (swallow, meal, and enema) are x-ray scans used to show your child’s digestive tract. 

The digestive tract includes the following organs:

  • oesophagus – the tube that connects the throat to the stomach
  • stomach – the main organ that digests food, connected to the oesophagus
  • small intestine – the tube-shaped organ that absorbs nutrients from food, connected to the stomach and the large intestine
  • large intestine – the tube-shaped organ that turns food waste into poo, connected to the small intestine and the rectum
  • rectum and anus – the last part of the large intestine, the rectum helps poo exit the body through the opening called the anus.

Barium is a radiopaque powder. This means it can absorb X-rays. 

Barium is mixed into a liquid that will pass through your child's digestive tract. As the liquid moves through the different body parts, it will absorb the X-rays and show up white, making them easier to see in the images.

The specific type of barium test your child needs will depend on which part of the digestive system is being looked at.

Barium tests include:

  • swallow – looks at the throat and oesophagus. Images are taken while your child swallows
  • meal – looks at the oesophagus, stomach and the first part of the bowel. Images are taken as your child swallows and the liquid moves through the upper digestive system
  • enema – looks at the colon, rectum, and anus. Images are taken after the liquid is pushed through your child's rectum.

 Before the procedure

Your child will be given some instructions to prepare for their test. 

Instructions can include:

  • fasting  
    your child must stop eating and drinking hours before the test. This is called fasting nil by mouth
  • bowel preparation
    your child will be given medicine to take to make sure they are not constipated, and the bowel is empty
  • special preparation for health conditions
    if your child has a condition like diabetes or any allergies, they will be given special instructions to make sure they stay healthy while preparing for the test
  • allergies
    let your child's treatment team know if they have any allergies, have had any reactions to tests before, or have had a severe anaphylaxis reaction.

Bring a spare bottle and teat to the test if your child is fed using a bottle. This can make it easier for your child to drink the barium liquid.

Speak to your child's treating team if you are unsure what your child needs to do to prepare.

 During the procedure

Barium tests are done in a room with an X-ray table and a large camera above it.

Swallow and meal

The general steps of the swallow and meal test are:

  1. the doctor or nurse will help your child to lie down on the X-ray table and offer the liquid in a cup or bottle
  2. your child will drink the liquid while they are lying down
  3. once your child swallows the contrast liquid, it will move through and coat the lining of the digestive tract
  4. photos are taken using the X-ray machine
  5. if photos are needed from a different angle, one of the doctors or nurses will gently move your child into a different position. 

Enema

If your child has an enema, the test will look slightly different. An enema is when a liquid is pushed through the rectum.

The general steps of the enema test are:

  1. the doctor or nurse will help your child lie down on the X-ray table
  2. a small tube will be inserted into your child's rectum, and tape will be used to hold it in place
  3. the liquid will flow from a bag, through the tube and into your child's lower digestive tract
  4. photos are taken using the X-ray machine
  5. if photos are needed from a different angle, one of the doctors or nurses will gently move your child into a different position
  6. the tube will be removed, and your child will be able to go to the toilet and do a poo
  7. after your child does a poo, they will return to the table and take the final pictures.

 After the procedure

After the test, your child might:

  • need to do a poo urgently
  • feel some cramping in their belly
  • do some poos that are lighter in colour than normal
  • feel tired
  • have a sore bottom from the bowel preparation and wiping.

Your child's treatment team will let you know if there is anything special you need to do after the test is finished. Otherwise, your child should rest and drink plenty of fluids. 

Let your child's treatment team know as soon as possible if they:

Disclaimer

This factsheet is provided for general information only. It does not constitute health advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat any health condition.

Please consult with your doctor or other health professional to make sure this information is right for you and/or your child.

The Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network does not accept responsibility for inaccuracies or omissions, the interpretation of the information, or for success or appropriateness of any treatment described in the factsheet.

© Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network 2024