Before the introduction of high density barium for contrast studies of the upper gastrointestinal tract, we conducted a survey concerning the adverse reactions to a swallow of barium and barium concentration.
The incidence of side effects rose as the density of barium increased but the effects were transient. There were no cases requiring medical treatment.
Furthermore, the constipation group and the normal group were examined separately.
The ratio of adverse reactions was high in the constipation group even when the barium density was low. In this group stool hardening and delayed excertion were also noticed.
The constancy of barium stool excretion was basically normal, and the barium density had little effect.
The effects of a laxative on the excretion consistency were investigated. The administration of a laxative did not always have a positive affect on excretion. The timing of the administration of the laxative and the amount of water intake should be examined in the future.
We also investigated how the patients feel when they are swallowing barium. We found that whether feel uncomfortable or not depended on the properties of barium rather than its density.
From these results it appears that appropriate guidance is necessary about the use of high density barium, in order to supress the occurrence of side effects, especially in the constipation group.