Following the test, patients should be sure to drink plenty of liquids to avoid severe constipation brought on by barium sulfate. Patients are likely to have stools that are white, pink or gray for several days following the procedure. This will last until the barium is completely expelled from the system. In some cases, patients will be given a cleansing enema or asked to take a laxative that will flush out the remaining barium.

Patients should report any of the following symptoms to a physician:

• Discolored stools that continue more than three days after the test
  
  
• Inability to experience bowel movements or pass gas three days after the test
  
  
• Bloating
  
  
• Severe, continuing constipation
  
  
• Severe cramping
  
  
• Nausea or vomiting
  
  
• Stomach or lower abdominal pain
  
  
• Tightness in the chest or breathing difficulties