Barium swallow X-ray examination of the esophagus Side effects
January 8, 2013 | 20,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Ralf Berg
Hello!
Today at 1:00 pm I had a barium swallow test of the esophagus. Everything went well so far, although the results were not great, but that's not my main concern.
For the past 2 hours, I have been experiencing severe lower abdominal cramps, strong diarrhea, and vomiting. Additionally, I feel slightly dizzy. I have also accidentally swallowed some of the vomit. I read that swallowing vomit can be very dangerous as it can cause the contrast agent to enter the airways, leading to pneumonia and another type of inflammation (I forgot the name). Do I need to see a doctor now? Or has the contrast agent already been metabolized and it doesn't matter? Could the contrast agent have entered my lungs now? Is vomiting, diarrhea, and pain normal after the test?
I would greatly appreciate a response. Unfortunately, I am a single parent with 2 young children and would have to go to the nearest hospital as there is no emergency service in my town. I only want to do that if it is really necessary. If the reactions are normal and nothing can happen, I would prefer to stay at home.
Hello, you do not need to go directly to the hospital.
1. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may occur after the administration of contrast medium. Typically, these symptoms will subside within 24-48 hours after the contrast medium has been completely eliminated from the body.
2. The contrast medium leaves the stomach very quickly to allow for the examination of deeper parts of the intestines. It is highly unlikely that there was still contrast medium in the stomach that has now reached the lungs, which would indeed cause severe irritation (as would stomach acid).
3. My advice for tonight until tomorrow morning is to drink plenty of (1-1.5 liters) soothing green tea. If you experience further abdominal cramps, apply a heat source to your stomach (hot water bottle, warm cloths, heating pad, etc.). Tomorrow morning, take your temperature rectally to check for signs of inflammation. If your temperature is normal (under 38) and you do not have a cough, everything should be fine in your lungs.
By the end of the day, your bowel movements should return to normal. If this is not the case, contact the center where the contrast medium was administered. They can schedule a follow-up appointment with you to further assess the situation, if symptoms persist until tomorrow.
I wish you a good night, even though you may have to use the toilet several times. Best regards, Dr. R. Berg
