Barium Tests in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Barium tests – including a barium swallow, barium meal, and barium enema – are imaging studies that help diagnose problems in your digestive system. In Grand Rapids, these tests are commonly performed in hospital radiology departments and outpatient imaging centers, including facilities affiliated with Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health), Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, and Mercy Health.

These tests use barium sulfate, a white, “radio‑opaque” (x‑ray visible) liquid, to outline parts of your digestive tract so they show up clearly on x‑ray images.

What Is a Barium Test?

Barium tests are used to examine the:

  • Esophagus (food pipe)
  • Stomach
  • Duodenum (first part of the small intestine)
  • Small bowel
  • Large bowel (colon)

During the test, barium is either:

  • Swallowed (barium swallow or barium meal), or
  • Introduced into the bowel as an enema through a small tube in the rectum (barium enema)

As the barium moves through your digestive tract, a radiologist uses a special x‑ray machine called a fluoroscope to watch it in real time and take images.

Why Barium Tests Are Done

A radiologist (a doctor who specializes in interpreting imaging studies) uses barium tests to look for conditions that may explain symptoms such as:

  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Heartburn or reflux
  • Unexplained abdominal pain
  • Chronic diarrhea or constipation
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Blood in the stool or changes in bowel habits

Problems that may be diagnosed with barium tests include:

  • Abnormal shape or structure of the digestive tract
  • Areas where the digestive tract is narrowed (strictures)
  • Ulcers or inflammation
  • Diverticula (small pouches in the bowel wall)
  • Large polyps, tumors, or masses
  • Hiatal hernia
  • Severe reflux or swallowing disorders

In many cases today, endoscopy or a CT scan may be used instead of a barium test, but barium studies are still useful in certain situations and may be recommended by your Grand Rapids gastroenterologist or primary care provider.

Types of Barium Tests

Barium Swallow

A barium swallow focuses on the throat and esophagus. It is often used if you have:

  • Trouble swallowing
  • Pain when swallowing
  • Frequent reflux or heartburn
  • A feeling that food is getting stuck

You drink a barium liquid while the radiologist watches how you swallow and how the barium moves down your esophagus. You may be asked to tilt your head in different positions to see how your esophagus works under different conditions.

Barium Meal

A barium meal is used to examine the stomach and duodenum. It is sometimes combined with a barium swallow, so both the esophagus and stomach are evaluated during the same appointment.

During a barium meal:

  • You drink a barium liquid
  • You may also drink a fizzy or gas‑producing liquid or two different substances
  • The gas expands your stomach and duodenum
  • When combined with barium, this helps coat the stomach lining so the radiologist can see it clearly

Many people feel the urge to burp during this part of the test. This is normal.

Barium Enema

A barium enema looks at the large bowel (colon) and sometimes the end of the small bowel.

During a barium enema:

  • A lubricated tube is gently inserted into your rectum
  • Barium liquid is slowly introduced into your colon
  • The radiologist moves the barium around your large bowel while watching on fluoroscopy
  • Some barium may be drained and replaced with air (a “double‑contrast” study) to show more detail

This allows the entire large bowel to be viewed and helps identify any changes caused by conditions such as diverticulosis, polyps, or tumors. Some people find this portion of the exam uncomfortable or embarrassing. You may experience:

  • Cramping
  • Fullness
  • Gas or flatulence

These sensations are common and usually pass soon after the test.

Preparing for a Barium Test in Grand Rapids

Preparation can vary slightly by facility, so always follow the specific instructions from your Grand Rapids radiology clinic (for example, Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health). In general:

Before Any Barium Test

Discuss the following with your referring doctor or the radiology staff:

  • Constipation history
  • Current medications, including blood thinners and diabetes medications
  • Allergies
  • Existing health conditions, especially:
    • Glaucoma
    • Heart disease
    • Kidney disease
  • Possible pregnancy – pregnant women should not usually have barium tests due to radiation exposure

If you have insulin‑dependent diabetes, tell the radiology staff when you schedule the test. Together you will plan the safest timing for fasting and for taking your insulin.

Barium Swallow / Barium Meal Preparation

You may be asked to:

  • Avoid eating or drinking for about 6–8 hours before the test
  • Avoid smoking or chewing gum (which can increase stomach secretions)

If you are prone to constipation, your provider may recommend a mild laxative the night before.

Barium Enema Preparation

For a clear view of the colon, your bowel must be empty. Typically, you will be:

  • Given a special diet for 1–2 days before the test (often clear liquids the day before)
  • Given laxatives or a bowel preparation solution to drink
  • Asked not to eat or drink anything for about 8 hours before the test

Because Michigan residents often schedule these tests early in the morning (especially in winter to avoid travel in the dark), confirm your prep timing with your Grand Rapids imaging center.

During the Barium Test

Positioning and Imaging

During any barium test:

  • A radiographer (x‑ray technologist) will help position you on the exam table or in front of the x‑ray machine
  • You may be asked to stand, lie on your back, side, or stomach, or roll into different positions
  • The x‑ray machine is connected to a television‑like monitor, and the radiologist watches the barium move through your digestive tract
  • Still images and sometimes short video clips are recorded

A typical barium swallow or meal takes about 20–30 minutes.
Some small bowel or colon studies may require images over 3–6 hours as the barium travels through your intestines.

Medications to Prevent Cramping

To reduce cramping and movement in your digestive tract (which can blur images), you may be given a medication to relax the intestinal muscles. This may be injected:

  • Into a vein (IV), or
  • Into a muscle (for example, in your arm or hip)

Before giving this medication, the radiologist may ask if you have glaucoma.

Important: Glaucoma and Muscle Relaxant Medications

Some muscle‑relaxing medications used during barium tests are not recommended for people with glaucoma. If you have glaucoma, tell the radiology staff. An alternative medication or approach may be used.

After a Barium Test

Common Short‑Term Effects

After a barium test, you may experience:

  • Blurred vision for an hour or so if you were given a muscle relaxant
    • Do not drive until your vision has fully returned to normal
  • Constipation
  • Light‑colored or whitish stools for a day or two (this is the barium leaving your body)
  • Gas and bloating, especially after a barium enema

These effects are common and usually temporary.

Self‑Care After the Test

To help your body clear the barium and reduce constipation:

  • Drink plenty of fluids (water, clear soups, herbal tea) for at least 24 hours after the test
  • Eat more high‑fiber foods for the next day or two, such as:
    • Fruits (apples, pears, berries)
    • Vegetables (carrots, broccoli, leafy greens)
    • Whole grains (oatmeal, whole‑wheat bread, brown rice)

This is especially important in West Michigan, where people may naturally drink less water in cold weather months. Indoor heating can still dehydrate you, so be intentional about your fluid intake after the test.

Contact your doctor if:

  • You have not had a bowel movement within 3 days after the test
  • You develop severe abdominal pain, fever, or persistent vomiting

Possible Complications of Barium Tests

Barium examinations are generally safe, but complications can occur, although they are rare. These may include:

  • Perforation (tear) in the digestive tract
    • If a section of the digestive tract has an undiagnosed break or split, barium can leak into the abdominal cavity and cause serious infection
  • Bowel obstruction
    • If the bowel is already obstructed, barium may become impacted (stuck)
  • Appendicitis
    • Barium can rarely lodge in the appendix and cause inflammation
  • Side effects from medications
    • Blurred vision
    • Dry mouth
    • Rapid heart rate (depending on the drug used)
  • Aspiration
    • Very rarely, the barium liquid can be accidentally inhaled into the lungs instead of swallowed

If you develop severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, high fever, or intense abdominal pain after a barium test, seek urgent care or go to a local emergency department (for example, at Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital or Trinity Health Grand Rapids Hospital).

Getting Your Results and Next Steps

After the test:

  1. The radiologist reviews the images and writes a detailed report.
  2. The report is sent to your referring doctor (such as your primary care provider, gastroenterologist, or surgeon).
  3. You will need to schedule a follow‑up appointment with your doctor to:
    • Review the results
    • Discuss whether the test found a cause for your symptoms
    • Plan any further evaluation or treatment

If no clear abnormality is found but your symptoms continue, your doctor may recommend additional tests.

Other Tests Used in Grand Rapids to Examine the Digestive Tract

Today, other imaging and diagnostic tools are often used, either instead of or in addition to barium tests:

  • Flexible endoscopy
    • A thin, flexible tube with a camera and light at one end (endoscope)
    • Inserted through the mouth (upper endoscopy) or anus (colonoscopy)
    • Provides a magnified, direct view of the digestive tract lining and allows for biopsies
  • Computed tomography (CT) scan
    • Uses x‑rays and computer technology to create cross‑sectional images of the body
    • CT colonography (“virtual colonoscopy”) can sometimes be used instead of a traditional colonoscopy

These tests are widely available at major Grand Rapids hospitals and imaging centers and may be recommended depending on your symptoms and medical history.

Local Resources in Grand Rapids, MI

If you have questions about barium tests, or need help arranging care:

  • Your primary care provider or gastroenterologist – can order the test and explain results
  • Radiology departments at:
    • Corewell Health (Spectrum Health)
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
    • Mercy Health facilities
  • Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health resources – can provide guidance on access to care, especially if you are uninsured or underinsured

Key Points to Remember

  • Barium tests (swallow, meal, enema) help visualize the esophagus, stomach, small bowel, and large bowel using x‑ray.
  • These tests are available at major hospitals and imaging centers throughout Grand Rapids, Michigan.
  • Preparation usually involves fasting and, for enemas, a bowel cleanse with diet changes and laxatives.
  • After the test, drink plenty of fluids and eat high‑fiber foods to reduce constipation.
  • Complications are rare but can be serious; seek medical care if you develop severe pain, fever, or trouble breathing.
  • If no cause for your symptoms is found, your doctor may recommend further testing, such as endoscopy or a CT scan.
  • Treatment always depends on the final diagnosis, which your Grand Rapids healthcare provider will discuss with you.