Does barium X-ray cause stomach cramps?

You can have a 'barium swallow' or a 'barium enema'. A barium swallow is an investigation for cancer of the oesophagus (gullet) or stomach and you drink the barium. In a barium enema, the barium is put into your rectum (back passage) through a tube. This is an examination for cancer of the colon (large bowel) or rectum.

Barium is a very dense chalky mineral that shows up on X-rays. So it shows up the outline of the digestive system when you are X-rayed. The doctor can see whether there are any ulcers or growths inside your stomach.

Barium is not digestible. Some people are sick after a barium swallow. If it is in your bowel, it can be very constipating. You may have stomach cramps because your bowel works to push this heavy chalky stuff through to get rid of it. When you do have a bowel movement, it may look white for a few days.

If the stomach cramps carry on, you must contact your doctor. But if you have a bowel movement and the cramps stop, you can put it down to the barium.