Barium sulfate suspension , often called barium , is the contrast agent used during X-rays. Particularly used to improve visualization of the gastrointestinal tract (esophagus, stomach, intestines) on ordinary X-ray or computed tomography. This is taken by mouth or used rectally.
Side effects include constipation, diarrhea, appendicitis, and if inflammation of the lungs is inhaled. Not recommended in people with bowel perforation or bowel obstruction. Allergic reactions are rare. The use of barium during pregnancy is safe for infants; however, X-rays may be harmful. Barium sulphate suspension is usually made by mixing the barium sulphate powder with water. This is a non-iodized contrast medium.
Barium sulfate has been known since the Middle Ages. In the United States, this drug has been used in general in 1910. It is on the World Health Organization's Essential Drug List, the most effective and safe medication needed in the health system. Wholesale costs in developing countries are around 37.80 to 79.33 USD per kilogram. In the United States, treatment is not too expensive. Some versions contain taste to try to make it better.
Video Barium sulfate suspension
Medical use
The barium sulphate suspension is provided by a radiologist or radiographist before, or during a CT scan or fluoroscopy study to enable better computer digestive tract tomography. Patients are instructed not to take anything by mouth, which means to stay away from eating and drinking (fasting), with the exception of drinking barium sulfate suspension. The amount of time for this fast may vary depending on the instructions given by the imaging facility and the body area to be scanned, but generally lasts several hours before the scan. Patients usually skip a meal, along with avoiding all fluids, cleaning or otherwise, during this time.
Consumption of barium sulfate suspension begins 90 minutes to two hours before CT/Fluoroscopic scan, as instructed in the education of the patients provided. For Barium Swallow or Barium Dysphagiagram consumed after the study begins to see if the patient has difficulty swallowing or chewing. Consumption runs, commencing two hours before the scan occurs, with the level marked on the available container showing how much to consume between each of two hours before the test. A small portion of the suspension is reserved for minutes before the test, to ensure that as much gastrointestinal tract is channeled.
After the scan is complete, the patient is advised to eat and drink normally, with particular attention to many liquids. Barium sulfate is excreted through a bowel movement, so additional fluid intake helps prevent constipation, which is a possible side effect (see Johns Hopkins Drug Medicine Library for examples of possible patient education instruction sheets).
Maps Barium sulfate suspension
Side effects
Some patients with sensitive allergies or stomach may choose to discuss alternatives to barium sulfate suspension with their radiologist, but most patients find more common side effects than disorders rather than serious problems.
Among the possible side effects, listed in MedlinePlus are nausea and diarrhea, which can begin as soon as 15 minutes after consumption begins and can last until the day after the test is completed. Other side effects may include feeling weak, pale skin, ringing ears, constipation, and vomiting.
Patients may be strongly advised to avoid vomiting, since removing large amounts of suspension may cancel their effect on CT scans and produce unusable results, requiring repeat testing.
As with most drugs, if any severe side effects are experienced, the patient is advised to contact your doctor or local poison control center immediately.
Flavor and texture
Oral barium sulfate suspension is sometimes described as consisting from a very thick glass of milk, or a very thin milkshake. Some patients may experience texture as a calcareous liquid, similar to calcium carbonate containing liquid antacids and with little flavor of the drug. Dr. Roscoe Miller, in his article, "Flavoring Barium Sulfate", notes that the threshold of flavor varies in everyone, and the patient's tolerance for the drug also varies.
Suspension is usually homogeneous, smooth, and white. When the suspension is kept at room temperature (some labels show 25 Â ° C), â € Å" warm, condensed milkâ € is a general description of the weight and general consistency of the drink. If the test requires a suspension to travel quickly through the upper gastrointestinal tract may be given a cold.
Many barium sulfate preparations add flavor to more tolerance. In general, it feels uncomfortable, and depends on the proper beverage arrangement. Artificial flavors vary each preparation, and include vanilla, banana, pineapple, lemon, and cherry, among others. Because of the ease of the actual test, a two-hour consumption of barium sulfate suspension is often regarded as the worst part of CT scans.
References
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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