What does barium sulfate do to you?

Barium sulfate is a radiopaque contrast medium, which means it is used to help improve the contrast of certain areas of the body in imaging studies, such as X-rays or CT scans. When taken by mouth or administered as an enema, it coats the inside of organs like the stomach, intestines, or esophagus, making these areas more visible on the imaging studies.

Here are the key points about barium sulfate:

Diagnostic Use: It is primarily used for diagnostic purposes in medical imaging to highlight the gastrointestinal tract.

Procedure: The patient ingests the barium sulfate or receives it as an enema before undergoing an imaging study.

Non-toxic: Barium sulfate is not absorbed into the body; it passes through the digestive system without being digested or absorbed.

Precautions: Although generally safe, it can cause some side effects such as constipation, abdominal cramping, or, rarely, an allergic reaction. It should be used with caution in patients with a history of gastrointestinal perforation, severe constipation, or known bowel obstruction.

It's important to follow the instructions provided by healthcare professionals when preparing for an imaging procedure involving barium sulfate to ensure accurate results and minimize any potential side effects.