{"version":"1.0","provider_name":"Glossary","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.healthbenefitstimes.com\/glossary","author_name":"Glossary","author_url":"https:\/\/www.healthbenefitstimes.com\/glossary\/author\/adminglossary\/","title":"Barium X-ray examinations - Definition of Barium X-ray examinations","type":"rich","width":600,"height":338,"html":"<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"ImZdc3uAMz\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthbenefitstimes.com\/glossary\/barium-x-ray-examinations\/\">Barium X-ray examinations<\/a><\/blockquote><iframe sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" src=\"https:\/\/www.healthbenefitstimes.com\/glossary\/barium-x-ray-examinations\/embed\/#?secret=ImZdc3uAMz\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" title=\"&#8220;Barium X-ray examinations&#8221; &#8212; Glossary\" data-secret=\"ImZdc3uAMz\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" class=\"wp-embedded-content\"><\/iframe><script>\n\/*! This file is auto-generated *\/\n!function(d,l){\"use strict\";l.querySelector&&d.addEventListener&&\"undefined\"!=typeof URL&&(d.wp=d.wp||{},d.wp.receiveEmbedMessage||(d.wp.receiveEmbedMessage=function(e){var t=e.data;if((t||t.secret||t.message||t.value)&&!\/[^a-zA-Z0-9]\/.test(t.secret)){for(var s,r,n,a=l.querySelectorAll('iframe[data-secret=\"'+t.secret+'\"]'),o=l.querySelectorAll('blockquote[data-secret=\"'+t.secret+'\"]'),c=new RegExp(\"^https?:$\",\"i\"),i=0;i<o.length;i++)o[i].style.display=\"none\";for(i=0;i<a.length;i++)s=a[i],e.source===s.contentWindow&&(s.removeAttribute(\"style\"),\"height\"===t.message?(1e3<(r=parseInt(t.value,10))?r=1e3:~~r<200&&(r=200),s.height=r):\"link\"===t.message&&(r=new URL(s.getAttribute(\"src\")),n=new URL(t.value),c.test(n.protocol))&&n.host===r.host&&l.activeElement===s&&(d.top.location.href=t.value))}},d.addEventListener(\"message\",d.wp.receiveEmbedMessage,!1),l.addEventListener(\"DOMContentLoaded\",function(){for(var e,t,s=l.querySelectorAll(\"iframe.wp-embedded-content\"),r=0;r<s.length;r++)(t=(e=s[r]).getAttribute(\"data-secret\"))||(t=Math.random().toString(36).substring(2,12),e.src+=\"#?secret=\"+t,e.setAttribute(\"data-secret\",t)),e.contentWindow.postMessage({message:\"ready\",secret:t},\"*\")},!1)))}(window,document);\n\/\/# sourceURL=https:\/\/www.healthbenefitstimes.com\/glossary\/wp-includes\/js\/wp-embed.min.js\n<\/script>\n","description":"Diagnostic procedures employed for the detection and monitoring of certain gastrointestinal disorders involve the use of barium, a metallic element that is opaque to X-rays. By introducing a mixture of barium sulfate and water into the specific region of the gastrointestinal tract under examination, the organs, such as the stomach, which are typically not visible on X-ray images, can be outlined and visualized. In certain cases, barium X-ray examinations may serve as an alternative to endoscopy, a procedure involving the internal examination of the tract using a rigid or flexible viewing tube. However, endoscopy is often the preferred method of investigation.Barium X-rays can be categorized as single-contrast or double-contrast examinations. In single-contrast X-rays, only barium sulfate is used, filling the specific section of the gastrointestinal tract being examined. This creates a distinct outline image that highlights any noticeable abnormalities. On the other hand, double-contrast barium X-rays involve the application of a thin barium film on the inner surface of the tract. Subsequently, the tract is filled with air, allowing for the visualization of small surface irregularities.Different types of barium X-ray examinations are employed to investigate various segments of the gastrointestinal tract. A barium swallow entails the ingestion of a barium solution and is utilized to assess the swallowing mechanism and examine the esophagus. On the other hand, a barium meal is conducted to examine the lower esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.To investigate disorders of the small intestine, a barium follow-through examination is conducted. In this procedure, after swallowing barium, a series of X-rays are taken at intervals as the barium progresses from the esophagus to the intestine. On the other hand, a barium enema is utilized to investigate disorders of the large intestine and rectum. In this examination, barium is introduced into the body through a tube inserted into the rectum.If any barium residue remains in the intestine, it can potentially lead to constipation. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that patients maintain a high-fiber diet and stay well-hydrated by consuming an adequate amount of water after undergoing a barium examination until all the barium has been eliminated from the body."}