A barium enema is a diagnostic imaging test used to visualize the lining of your colon and rectum. Typically, this test is performed when a bowel disease such as irritable bowel syndrome or colitis is suspected. Your colon must be clean and empty prior to the procedure, which is accomplished with the aid of laxatives. Call your doctor if you have any questions about the barium enema or the diet you must follow to prepare for the enema. Barium enemas are typically scheduled in the morning hours.
One Day Prior to Your Enema
You must adhere to a clear liquid diet starting 24 hours before your barium enema. Clear liquids include apple juice, water, plain tea, black coffee, broth and any color gelatin except red. Red gelatin has the potential to temporarily stain the lining of your colon red, giving your doctor the impression that you suffer from gastrointestinal bleeding.
You may start to feel hungry and dizzy several hours after starting the liquid diet. If this occurs, drink some apple juice or eat some gelatin. Call your doctor if the dizziness grows more intense or does not subside.
Between 10 a.m. and Midnight the Night Before Your Enema
Drink 32 oz. of water anytime between the hours of 10 a.m and 5 p.m. the day before your barium enema. Drink one chilled 10 oz. bottle of magnesium citrate and take two biscodyl tablets at 1 p.m. You can purchase both these items at a drugstore or pharmacy. Drink an additional 8 oz. of water and take two more biscodyl tablets at 5 p.m. Do not eat anymore gelatin or drink anymore beverages after midnight.
Morning before Your Enema
Take any morning medications you are able to take on an empty stomach with a small sip of water. Bring any morning medications you must take with food or milk with you to the testing facility so that you can take them as soon as your barium enema is complete. Have someone drive you to the testing facility, since you may experience some dizziness as a result of the liquid diet.
Considerations
Discuss your dietary needs with your physician if you are unable to follow the pre-procedure diet for your barium enema. A liquid diet is not suitable for all people and may be especially unsuitable for you if you suffer from hypoglycemia.
Plan to stay home the afternoon and evening prior to your barium enema. The laxatives will cause several bowel movements throughout the day.
References
- OSU Medical Center: Barium Enema
- "Gastrointestinal Nursing"; Graeme Smith and Roger Watson; 2005
