HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Suggest Alternative Medication For Barium Sulfate Suspension

default
Posted on Wed, 31 May 2017
Question: I am having a cancer screening test in which I am to drink 675 ml. of Barium Sulfate Oral Suspension at home alone 2 hours before the examination. Previously in 2006 I attempted a barium swallow test at a hospital. The test was terminated when the radiologist noticed some barium was entering my lungs. I have since been treated for pharyngeal dysphasia. Is it safe for me to consume so much barium without supervision? I am a 91 year-old male in otherwise good health.

I am supposed to begin consuming the barium at 7 am tomorrow, so I would appreciate a quick reply. After the previous experience I noted a desire on the part of the doctors that I expel the barium asap lest it harden.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (21 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
You can discuss alternatives like iodine based contrasts which can be mixed in fruit juices

Detailed Answer:
Hi Sir,
Thanks for writing in to us.

Please bring to the notice of you doctors that you previously had an incident where barium entered your lungs.

It is important to know the investigation which you are schedule to take, whether you are going for a CT scan or a fluoroscopy.

Any ways, there are alternatives to barium like iodine based oral contrast agents which can be mixed with fruit juice and then ingested. This would be less cumbersome than drinking barium.

Regards,
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Vivek Chail

Radiologist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 6874 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Suggest Alternative Medication For Barium Sulfate Suspension

Brief Answer: You can discuss alternatives like iodine based contrasts which can be mixed in fruit juices Detailed Answer: Hi Sir, Thanks for writing in to us. Please bring to the notice of you doctors that you previously had an incident where barium entered your lungs. It is important to know the investigation which you are schedule to take, whether you are going for a CT scan or a fluoroscopy. Any ways, there are alternatives to barium like iodine based oral contrast agents which can be mixed with fruit juice and then ingested. This would be less cumbersome than drinking barium. Regards,