Tag: Crohn’s disease

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Everything You Need to Know About Barium/Contrast Enemas for Children

A barium/contrast enema is a medical procedure used to diagnose and treat certain conditions in the lower gastrointestinal tract. It involves the insertion of a tube into the rectum and the injection of a contrast material, usually barium sulfate, into the rectum. The contrast material helps to create a clearer image of the lower gastrointestinal tract on an X-ray.

Why is my child having a barium/contrast enema?

A barium/contrast enema may be recommended for your child if they are experiencing symptoms such as abdominal pain, constipation, or rectal bleeding. It can also be used to diagnose and treat certain conditions such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, and tumors.

What preparation is needed for my child for a barium/contrast enema?

Before the procedure, your child may need to take a laxative or enema to clear out the lower gastrointestinal tract. Your doctor may also recommend that your child fast for several hours before the procedure.

What happens during my child’s barium/contrast enema?

During the procedure, your child will be asked to lie on their side or back. A lubricated tube will then be inserted into the rectum and the contrast material will be injected. The doctor may take X-rays during the procedure to get a better view of the lower gastrointestinal tract.

What happens after my child’s barium/contrast enema?

After the procedure, your child may experience some cramping or discomfort. They may also need to use the bathroom more frequently. The doctor may recommend that your child drink plenty of fluids to help flush out the contrast material.

What can I do to help put my child more at ease during the barium/contrast enema?

It is normal for your child to feel anxious or scared before the procedure. You can help to put them more at ease by talking to them about the procedure and explaining what will happen. You can also stay with them during the procedure to provide comfort and support.

References

  • Mayo Clinic. (2020). Barium enema. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/barium-enema/about/pac-20393520
  • Cleveland Clinic. (2020). Barium enema. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/17072-barium-enema
  • Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. (2020). Barium enema. Retrieved from https://www.chop.edu/conditions-diseases/barium-enema

Keywords: barium/contrast enema, barium enema, contrast enema, lower gastrointestinal tract, X-ray, abdominal pain, constipation, rectal bleeding, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, tumors.

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Everything You Need to Know About Capsule Endoscopy

Capsule endoscopy is a procedure used to diagnose and monitor diseases of the small intestine. It involves swallowing a pill-sized camera that takes pictures of the inside of the small intestine. This procedure is used to diagnose and monitor diseases such as Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, and small bowel tumors.

What is a capsule endoscopy?

A capsule endoscopy is a procedure used to diagnose and monitor diseases of the small intestine. It involves swallowing a pill-sized camera that takes pictures of the inside of the small intestine.

Who gets a capsule endoscopy procedure?

Capsule endoscopy is used to diagnose and monitor diseases such as Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, and small bowel tumors. It is also used to diagnose unexplained bleeding in the small intestine.

How does a capsule endoscopy work?

The capsule endoscopy procedure involves swallowing a pill-sized camera that takes pictures of the inside of the small intestine. The camera is attached to a thin wire that transmits the images to a recording device worn on the patient’s belt. The images are then sent to a computer for analysis.

How do I prepare for the test?

Before the capsule endoscopy procedure, the patient should avoid eating or drinking for 8 hours prior to the test. The patient should also avoid taking any medications that may interfere with the test.

What should I expect during the test?

During the capsule endoscopy procedure, the patient will swallow the pill-sized camera and wear the recording device on their belt. The patient will then be monitored for 8 hours while the camera takes pictures of the inside of the small intestine.

What are the risks of this test?

The risks of capsule endoscopy are minimal. The most common side effects are nausea, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort.

What are the benefits of this test?

The benefits of capsule endoscopy include the ability to diagnose and monitor diseases of the small intestine without the need for invasive procedures.

When should I know the results of the test?

The results of the capsule endoscopy procedure are usually available within a few days.

When should I call my doctor after a capsule endoscopy?

Patients should call their doctor if they experience any abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting after the capsule endoscopy procedure.

References:

  • American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. (2020). Capsule Endoscopy. Retrieved from https://www.asge.org/home/for-patients/procedures/capsule-endoscopy
  • Mayo Clinic. (2020). Capsule Endoscopy. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/capsule-endoscopy/about/pac-20384717
  • National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2020). Capsule Endoscopy. Retrieved from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diagnostic-tests/capsule-endoscopy

Keywords: capsule endoscopy, small intestine, Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, small bowel tumors