What is a barium x-ray?

If you are having the barium swallow part you will not need to prep again for the exam. The only thing is not to eat anything after dinner or 12 hours prior to the exam so your stomach and upper portions of your small bowel will be empty. Barium will not cause you to run to the bathroom. Barium has the opposite effect. Also barium is not radioactive. The reason is that is shows your internal organs better is that x-rays can not p through it so the doctors can see your stomach and bowels.