hello I had an endoscopy done today as I have near enough constant nausea it’s been going on for 5 months and I’m also suffering from constipation. Nothing was found today anyway and have been told it would be good to get a barium swallow. I’m just extremely worried about side effects I have very bad anxiety and wondering if it will make me throw up. And also if I’m constipated already how bad could it make me.
I appreciate any replies thank you
I had a barium test when I was about 18. The whole thing was a pretty easy and benign experience. By the time I got there I'd had to fast for what felt like ages, and I was seriously ravenously hungry, so basically I would have eaten or drunk anything anyone gave me!
That was qite some time ago as I nowhere near 18 now! haha...
But it's probably the exact same procedure.
The actual barium they gave me was only a small amount and tasted slightly "creamy" to me and bland, so it went down and didn't touch the sides. It almost felt like "food" to my hungry tummy. There were no side effects from it and it sat happily in my tum.
I seem to recall they gave me another drink too, which was also very bland and a lot like water (?) that was a slightly longer drink more like the size of an average glass of water.
I can't remember when they gave me that though. It could have been after all the pictures were taken, to kind of dilute the barium in the system a bit? Don't remember.
That was easy to drink too and again no effects with it.
I felt fine through the whole procedure and ready for food afterwards.
I was also interested in watching the video of my insides which they said I could see if I wanted.
I doubt VERY much it will make you nauseous or throw up unless you think yourself into that, so try not to be worried if you can.
The barium swallow is an easy test. The barium is not likely to make you throw up or have constipation. It is good you are having tests to check for any medical problem, however, after the tests are finished you might want to consider whether your nausea, constipation, etc. comes from your anxiety, as this also can cause gastrointestinal problems.
I had a barium swallow a few months ago. I was worried about it aswell, but it was very easy. No side effects. Just a liquid that tastes like gaviscon and a simular consistency to gaviscon. It only took a few minutes, and you can eat afterwards aswell. They only get you to sip a few mouthfuls at a time. You don't drink a big cupful at once. I didn't get any bowel issues that were abnormal. I felt a tiny bit nauseous, but that settled as soon as I ate a sandwich immediately after the scan. Think was due to hunger.
if you did endoscopy barium swallow is nothing to worry about
I understand your concerns and I have had barium test. It didn't bother me but I'm mot a sick person generally. I also have anxiety problems with these sort of things. What I would say is even ad bad it is may be it is a small price to pay to get a result that may help to cure you so keep thinking this may result is making you better at the end of it. I wish the best for you .
A long standing constipation problem in itself can cause nausea and upper stomach upsets. It makes sense because the digestive system is a bit backed up. Do certain foods or medicines help?
I find foods like beetroot, carrots, brown rice help if I get a short term constipation but mine is nothing compared to IBS constipation. I have IBS D mainly which sometimes swings to the other side for a couple of days only.
If you can tolerate them, apples and oranges are good too.
I wouldn’t worry about a barium swallow, I had one and it’s fine, doesn’t make you throw up, it’s chalky stuff not that bad at all, much better than an endoscopy
I’ve had a barium swallow and it was absolutely fine. You don’t drink as much liquid as they originally say and it doesn’t taste bad at all, just chalky. Just drink plenty of water afterwards to flush it out 
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