Question

Relatively large amounts of filtration (e.g. 0.1 mm Cu + 1 mm Al) may be used when performing barium enemas. Why is it not appropriate to do this routinely for all radiological studies?

Answer 1

X-rays show doctors what's happening inside your body. They produce helpful images of your bones, fat, muscle, and even the air in your lungs. But when it comes to your colon, X-rays aren't as clear.To get the best detail possible, doctors use what’s called a barium enema.

Though the amount of radiation you get is low, too much radiation from X-rays can potentially cause cancer. But the chance of getting cancer is small when compared to the benefit of how easily a barium enema can diagnose a problem.

In rare cases, barium enemas can cause the following complications:

• Allergic reaction to barium
• Blockage in the stomach and intestines
• Inflammation of the tissues around the colon
• Tear in your colon wall

So it is npot appropriate to study barium enema on regular basis