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Enema for Poop: Types, Benefits, and Potential Risks

by alexxlab

What are the different types of enemas used for constipation relief. How do enemas work to cleanse the colon. Are there any potential side effects or health concerns associated with using enemas. What are the best practices for safely administering an enema at home.

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Understanding Enemas: Purpose and Function

Enemas are a medical procedure involving the injection of fluid into the rectum and lower colon. Their primary purpose is to relieve constipation and cleanse the bowel. But what exactly happens when you use an enema?

An enema works by introducing fluid into the lower intestine, which stimulates peristalsis – the wave-like muscle contractions that move material through the digestive tract. This action helps to soften and loosen stool, making it easier to pass. Additionally, the added volume of fluid creates pressure within the colon, further encouraging bowel movements.

Historically, enemas have been used for centuries as a method of treating various ailments. In modern medicine, they serve several important functions:

  • Relieving chronic constipation
  • Preparing the bowel for medical procedures like colonoscopies
  • Administering certain medications rectally
  • Cleansing the colon before surgery

While enemas can be an effective short-term solution for constipation, it’s important to understand that they are not intended for regular, long-term use. Overuse of enemas can lead to electrolyte imbalances and potentially damage the natural functioning of the bowel.

Types of Enemas: Cleansing vs. Retention

Enemas are generally classified into two main categories: cleansing enemas and retention enemas. Each type serves a specific purpose and contains different ingredients. Understanding the differences can help you choose the most appropriate option for your needs.

Cleansing Enemas

Cleansing enemas are designed to be held in the rectum for a short period, typically just a few minutes. Their primary function is to flush out the colon and promote bowel movements. Some common types of cleansing enemas include:

  • Water or saline enemas
  • Epsom salt enemas
  • Sodium phosphate enemas
  • Lemon juice enemas
  • Apple cider vinegar enemas
  • Soap suds enemas

Of these options, water or saline enemas are generally considered the safest and least irritating to the bowel. They work primarily through mechanical action, using the volume of fluid to stimulate bowel movements.

Retention Enemas

Retention enemas are designed to be held in the bowel for an extended period, usually at least 15 minutes. These enemas often contain ingredients that are meant to be absorbed by the body or to have a specific effect on the colon. Common types of retention enemas include:

  • Coffee enemas
  • Mineral oil enemas
  • Probiotic enemas
  • Herbal enemas

Retention enemas are more controversial than cleansing enemas, as they often involve introducing substances into the body that may have systemic effects. It’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before using any retention enema, especially those containing herbs or other active ingredients.

The Science Behind Enema Effectiveness

Enemas have been the subject of scientific research to evaluate their effectiveness in treating various conditions. But how well do they actually work? Let’s examine the evidence:

For constipation relief, studies have shown that enemas can be effective in promoting bowel movements. A systematic review published in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology found that sodium phosphate enemas were more effective than bisacodyl suppositories for treating constipation in adults.

In terms of bowel preparation for medical procedures, enemas have proven to be valuable. A study in the World Journal of Gastroenterology demonstrated that combined oral and enema bowel preparation resulted in better colon cleansing compared to oral preparation alone for colonoscopies.

However, the scientific support for some of the more alternative uses of enemas is less robust. For instance, while coffee enemas are popular in some alternative medicine circles, there is little scientific evidence to support their purported detoxifying effects.

It’s important to note that while enemas can be effective for specific purposes, they are not without risks. Overuse or improper administration can lead to complications such as electrolyte imbalances, dehydration, or bowel perforation in rare cases.

Potential Benefits and Risks of Enema Use

Like any medical intervention, enemas come with both potential benefits and risks. Understanding these can help you make an informed decision about whether an enema is right for you.

Potential Benefits

The primary benefits of enemas include:

  • Quick relief from constipation
  • Effective bowel cleansing before medical procedures
  • Potential improvement in symptoms associated with chronic constipation, such as bloating and discomfort
  • Ability to administer certain medications directly to the lower bowel

Potential Risks and Side Effects

While generally safe when used correctly, enemas can cause side effects and complications, including:

  • Electrolyte imbalances, particularly with frequent use
  • Disruption of normal bowel function if used too often
  • Potential damage to the rectal tissue if administered improperly
  • Risk of infection if equipment is not properly sterilized
  • Dehydration, especially with saline or sodium phosphate enemas
  • Dependency, if relied upon too frequently for bowel movements

Do the benefits of enemas outweigh the risks? For most people, when used occasionally and as directed, enemas can be a safe and effective way to relieve constipation or prepare for medical procedures. However, they should not be used as a long-term solution for chronic constipation without medical supervision.

Safe Administration of Enemas at Home

If you’ve decided to use an enema at home, it’s crucial to follow proper procedures to ensure safety and effectiveness. Here’s a step-by-step guide to administering an enema safely:

  1. Gather all necessary supplies, including the enema solution, an enema bag or bulb, and lubricant.
  2. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
  3. Fill the enema bag with the prescribed solution, ensuring it’s at body temperature.
  4. Lubricate the tip of the enema nozzle.
  5. Lie on your left side with your knees drawn up to your chest.
  6. Gently insert the nozzle into your rectum.
  7. Slowly release the solution into your rectum.
  8. Hold the solution in for the recommended time (this varies depending on the type of enema).
  9. When ready, move to the toilet to release the enema.

What precautions should you take when using an enema at home? Always use clean, sterilized equipment to prevent infection. Never force the nozzle if you meet resistance, as this could cause injury. If you experience pain or bleeding, stop immediately and consult a healthcare provider.

Alternatives to Enemas for Constipation Relief

While enemas can be effective for constipation relief, they’re not the only option available. There are several alternatives that you might consider, depending on your specific situation:

  • Dietary changes: Increasing fiber intake and staying hydrated can often help relieve constipation naturally.
  • Exercise: Regular physical activity can help stimulate bowel movements.
  • Over-the-counter laxatives: These come in various forms, including stool softeners, bulk-forming agents, and stimulant laxatives.
  • Probiotics: These can help promote a healthy gut microbiome, potentially improving bowel regularity.
  • Biofeedback therapy: This technique can help retrain the muscles involved in bowel movements.

Which alternative is best for you? The answer depends on your individual circumstances, including the cause and severity of your constipation. It’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

When to Seek Medical Advice About Enema Use

While enemas can be safely used at home in many cases, there are situations where it’s important to consult a healthcare provider. But when exactly should you seek medical advice about enema use?

You should consult a doctor before using an enema if:

  • You’re pregnant or breastfeeding
  • You have a history of bowel obstruction or inflammatory bowel disease
  • You’re experiencing severe abdominal pain
  • You’ve noticed blood in your stool
  • You’re considering using enemas regularly for chronic constipation

Additionally, seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following after using an enema:

  • Severe abdominal pain or cramping
  • Rectal bleeding
  • Fever
  • Dizziness or fainting
  • Persistent nausea or vomiting

Is it safe to use enemas during pregnancy? While occasional use of saline enemas may be safe during pregnancy, it’s crucial to consult with your obstetrician before using any type of enema or laxative.

Remember, while enemas can be a useful tool for managing constipation, they are not a substitute for proper medical care. If you’re experiencing chronic constipation or other persistent digestive issues, it’s important to work with a healthcare provider to identify and address the underlying cause.

The Role of Enemas in Medical Procedures

Beyond their use in treating constipation, enemas play a crucial role in preparing patients for various medical procedures. But how exactly are enemas used in medical settings?

One of the most common medical uses of enemas is in preparation for colonoscopies. A clean, empty colon is essential for this procedure to be effective, as it allows the doctor to clearly view the entire lining of the colon. Enemas are often used in combination with oral laxatives to ensure thorough bowel cleansing.

Enemas may also be used before other types of lower gastrointestinal procedures, such as:

  • Sigmoidoscopy
  • Barium enema X-rays
  • Certain types of surgery involving the colon or rectum

In some cases, enemas are used to administer medication directly to the lower bowel. This method can be particularly useful for treating conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, where topical application of medication to the affected area is beneficial.

How effective are enemas in preparing for medical procedures? Studies have shown that when used correctly, enemas can significantly improve the quality of bowel preparation. A study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology found that adding an enema to oral bowel preparation improved the quality of colon cleansing for colonoscopy, particularly in the rectum and sigmoid colon.

It’s important to note that while enemas can be very effective for bowel preparation, the specific protocol may vary depending on the procedure and the patient’s individual circumstances. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully when preparing for any medical procedure.

The Impact of Enemas on Gut Microbiome

The human gut is home to trillions of microorganisms, collectively known as the gut microbiome. This complex ecosystem plays a crucial role in our overall health, influencing everything from digestion to immune function. But how do enemas affect this delicate balance?

When you use an enema, you’re not just flushing out waste – you’re also potentially altering the composition of your gut microbiome. The extent of this impact can depend on several factors, including:

  • The frequency of enema use
  • The type of solution used
  • The individual’s existing microbiome composition

Frequent use of enemas, especially those containing harsh chemicals or antibacterial agents, can potentially disrupt the balance of beneficial bacteria in your gut. This disruption could lead to various health issues, as a healthy gut microbiome is linked to improved digestion, stronger immunity, and even better mental health.

However, it’s not all negative. Some types of enemas, such as probiotic enemas, are specifically designed to introduce beneficial bacteria into the colon. A study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology found that rectal administration of probiotics showed promise in treating ulcerative colitis, suggesting that certain types of enemas could potentially have a positive impact on gut health.

What’s the long-term impact of regular enema use on gut health? While more research is needed in this area, it’s generally recommended to use enemas sparingly and under medical supervision to minimize potential disruption to your gut microbiome. If you’re concerned about the impact of enemas on your gut health, consider discussing alternative treatments for constipation with your healthcare provider.

Cultural and Historical Perspectives on Enema Use

The use of enemas has a rich and fascinating history that spans cultures and centuries. But how have attitudes towards enemas evolved over time, and how do different cultures view their use?

In ancient Egypt, enemas were considered a crucial part of maintaining health and were used regularly by royalty and commoners alike. The ancient Greeks also recognized the value of enemas, with Hippocrates documenting their use for treating various ailments.

During the Middle Ages in Europe, enemas fell out of favor due to religious and cultural taboos surrounding bodily functions. However, they experienced a resurgence during the Renaissance, becoming a fashionable treatment among the upper classes.

In some Native American cultures, enemas were used not only for medicinal purposes but also as part of spiritual cleansing rituals. Similarly, in traditional Chinese medicine, enemas have long been used as a component of detoxification therapies.

Today, attitudes towards enemas vary widely across cultures:

  • In Western medicine, enemas are generally viewed as a medical procedure, used primarily for constipation relief and bowel preparation.
  • In some alternative medicine practices, enemas are seen as a tool for detoxification and overall health maintenance.
  • In certain cultures, particularly in parts of Africa and Asia, traditional forms of enemas continue to be used as part of folk medicine practices.

How have medical advancements influenced the use of enemas? While modern medicine has developed many alternatives for treating constipation and preparing for medical procedures, enemas continue to play a role in healthcare. However, their use is now more targeted and evidence-based, with a better understanding of both their benefits and potential risks.

As with many aspects of healthcare, it’s important to approach enema use with a balanced perspective, recognizing their potential benefits while also being aware of their limitations and possible side effects.

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Enemas are used to relieve constipation and cleanse the colon. Water- or saline-based enemas tend to carry the least risk. However, enemas can have side effects, such as disturbing your gut bacteria and affecting your body’s electrolyte balance.

Enemas are rectal injections of fluid intended to cleanse or stimulate the emptying of your bowel.

They have been used for hundreds of years to treat chronic constipation and prepare people for certain medical tests and surgeries (1).

Enemas can be administered by a medical professional or self-administered at home.

This article reviews different types of enemas, as well as their potential benefits and health concerns.

Constipation is a condition in which the natural movement of your stool slows down, making them hard, dry, and difficult to excrete. For many people, this can be a chronic problem that requires an intervention like an enema — or a laxative inserted rectally.

Enemas may also be prescribed to flush out your colon before certain diagnostic tests or surgeries. Your bowel needs to be empty before these procedures to reduce infection risk and prevent stool from getting in the way.

According to some enema advocates, when waste builds up in your colon over time, it leads to ailments like depression, fatigue, headaches, allergies, and irritability, and using enemas can provide relief.

While it’s true that many people with chronic constipation experience depression and other psychological symptoms, evidence is lacking to suggest that waste buildup directly leads to the other aforementioned effects (2, 3).

There are two main types of enemas — cleansing and retention.

Cleansing enemas

Cleansing enemas are water-based and meant to be held in the rectum for a short time to flush your colon. Once injected, they’re retained for a few minutes until your body rids itself of the fluid, along with loose matter and impacted stool in your bowel.

Some of the most common cleansing enemas include (3, 4):

  • Water or saline. The least irritating of all options, water or saline — salt water that mimics your body’s sodium concentration — are used primarily for their ability to expand the colon and mechanically promote defecation.
  • Epsom salt. This is similar to a water or saline enema, but magnesium-rich Epsom salt is said to be more effective at relaxing bowel muscles and relieving constipation.
  • Sodium phosphate. This is a common over-the-counter enema that works by irritating your rectum, causing it to expand and release waste.
  • Lemon juice. Lemon juice mixed with warm, filtered water is said to balance the pH of your body while cleansing your colon.
  • Apple cider vinegar. Advocates say that mixing apple cider vinegar with warm, filtered water can quickly clear the bowel and may have other antiviral healing effects on your digestive system.
  • Soap suds. Adding castile soap, or another mild soap with minimal additives, to water mildly irritates the bowel, which encourages the rapid excretion of stool.

Retention enemas

Retention enemas are designed to be held in your bowel for an extended period — usually a minimum of 15 minutes — before being released. Retention enemas may be water- or oil-based, which softens the stool and makes it easier for your body to expel.

Some of the most common retention enemas include (5, 6, 7):

  • Coffee. Coffee enemas are a mixture of brewed, caffeinated coffee and water thought to promote bile removal from the colon. They were popularized by Max Gerson, a physician who used them to help treat people with cancer.
  • Mineral oil. This type of enema works primarily by lubricating waste inside of your colon, sealing it with water, and promoting its removal.
  • Probiotic. Mixing probiotics with water may cleanse your bowel while helping colonize your good gut bacteria. Lactobacillus reuteri enemas have been shown to reduce inflammation in children with ulcerative colitis.
  • Herbal. Some people use herbs like garlic, catnip tea, or red raspberry leaf mixed with water to make herbal enemas with purported nutritional, infection-fighting, and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Summary

Enemas are rectal injections of fluid that are intended to cleanse your bowel or treat chronic constipation. The two main types — cleansing and retention enemas — come in a variety of solutions and can be injected at home.

Enemas can treat constipation and clear out your bowel. However, many people choose to use enemas for other purported health benefits (8, 9).

Some advocates claim that enemas can support weight loss, remove toxins and heavy metals from your body, and improve your skin, immunity, blood pressure, and energy levels.

Still, evidence is limited to suggest that enemas are effective for these purposes or that they benefit everyone who uses them. Most evidence in support of their effectiveness is anecdotal, despite their widespread use in modern medicine (10).

Enemas appear to be most effective when used to relieve chronic constipation in a medical setting, though they come with many risks, especially when self-administered at home (11, 12).

Summary

Enemas can be effective in cleansing the bowel and treating chronic constipation, but most evidence in their favor is anecdotal rather than science based.

Though enemas can clean out your bowel, you should consider their risks and take certain precautions before using one.

May interrupt your body’s natural balances

Enemas may disturb your gut bacteria and throw off your body’s electrolyte balance.

Research shows that enemas used in preparation for medical procedures significantly disrupt gut bacteria, though the effect appears to be temporary. However, enemas that are split and administered in two doses seem to have fewer effects on the microbiome (13, 14).

Electrolyte disturbances have been observed with various types of enemas, such as large-volume soap suds enemas and those containing minerals.

For instance, there have been reports of Epsom salt enemas causing death from magnesium overdose. In another case, an older man died from severe electrolyte disruption caused by taking two sodium phosphate enemas (3, 15, 16).

Other reports note that the overuse of enemas to flush out the colon may lead to severe dehydration, which can be fatal (17).

Enema solutions can harm your bowel

Lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and coffee enemas are highly acidic, and scientific evidence to suggest their effectiveness or safety is lacking.

What’s more, the evidence shows that their acidity and makeup can harm your bowel and lead to rectal burns, inflammation, infections, and even death (1).

Similarly, there are reports of children being given acidic hydrogen peroxide enemas, which resulted in an inflamed colon, bloody diarrhea, vomiting, and long-term complications (18).

Furthermore, in some people, herbal enemas have caused internal bleeding that required a blood transfusion and removal of the colon (1).

Dirty or improperly used tools can cause infection and damage

If you self-administer an enema at home, it’s critical to make sure that the tools you use are sterile, meaning they’re free of harmful germs. The use of dirty tools increases your risk of contracting a potentially dangerous infection.

Improper tool use may also cause physical damage to your rectum, anus, or colon. Studies indicate that perforation of the bowel is not a rare complication of frequent enema use that could put your internal organs at risk of infection (3, 12, 19).

Sterile enema injection kits, which usually include a bucket, tubing, solution, and sometimes a bulb, can be found online or at many local drug stores. They come with directions for cleaning and safe use.

Summary

Though enemas can be safe and effective, they come with many risks, especially when administered at home. Improperly used enemas can cause potentially life-threatening physical and chemical damage to your rectum or colon.

If you’re mainly considering an enema to stimulate and clean out your digestive system, there may be other, less invasive options.

Some potential alternatives to enemas, which can promote waste excretion and bowel regularity, include (20, 21, 22, 23):

  • drinking caffeinated coffee, which is known to stimulate defecation
  • staying well hydrated with water
  • getting regular exercise like walking, running, biking, or aerobics
  • trying an over-the-counter oral laxative like magnesium
  • increasing your fiber intake by eating whole plant foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds.

If you have severe constipation or other medical issues, speak to your medical provider to determine whether an enema would be a safe and appropriate treatment.

Summary

Less risky alternatives to enemas that can help stimulate bowel movements include staying hydrated, getting regular exercise, and following a healthy, high-fiber diet.

Enemas are used to relieve constipation and cleanse the colon. Water- or oil-based solutions are injected into the bowel through your rectum to expel impacted waste.

Mild enemas like water or saline carry the least risk, but you should consult your healthcare provider before using one at home. Furthermore, ensuring the proper use of sterile injection tools is very important for safety.

Many people swear by enemas to promote regularity and prevent constipation, but evidence of their effectiveness is limited.

Other, less risky alternatives may be a better option in most cases.

Enema Constipation | Everyday Health

Some common steps in administering an enema include:

  • Drink one or two glasses of water prior to the enema, as it can cause you to become dehydrated.
  • Lie on your stomach with your knees pulled under you.
  • Lubricate the enema tube and gently insert it into your rectum.
  • If you’re using a disposable enema, gently squeeze the contents into your rectum. If you’re using an enema bag with a homemade solution, hold the bag up and allow gravity to deliver the contents.
  • Once the bag is empty, remove the tube from your rectum.
  • Wait in that position until you feel the need to move your bowels. You should feel a powerful urge within 2 to 10 minutes. Try to hold the enema in for at least 5 minutes to achieve maximum benefit.

Health Concerns Regarding Enemas

Because enemas can cause dehydration, overuse of enemas can create serious health problems. Use of enemas for constipation on a regular basis can lead to an electrolyte imbalance in the body called hyponatremia, in which the blood becomes diluted and its salt content becomes lower than normal. Hyponatremia can cause muscle spasms and swelling of the brain that leads to mental impairment. This is a particular concern when using enemas with plain tap water.

On the other extreme, overuse of phosphate enemas for constipation can lead to a condition called hyperphosphatemia, in which the blood levels of phosphate salts become elevated.

Be sure to consult with your doctor before using an enema, and exhaust all other possibilities first.

Learn more in the Everyday Health Digestive Health Center.

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what to choose for the treatment of chronic constipation

Laxatives and enemas: what to choose for the treatment of chronic constipation

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  • Laxatives and enemas: what to choose for the treatment of chronic constipation

Chronic constipation is most often observed in the elderly: more than 36% of patients over 60 years of age suffer from defecation disorders, while before the age of 60 the problem is 3 times less common. Also at risk are people with limited mobility, bedridden patients, patients after operations on the abdominal organs.

Constipation significantly impairs the quality of life, disrupts the digestive process, and can lead to dangerous coloproctological diseases. Therefore, patients with chronic constipation must be prescribed treatment: diet therapy, exercise therapy, drug therapy (laxatives), enema, if indicated.

Laxatives for constipation – types and features of use

Medication for constipation is challenging because most people self-medicate and take over-the-counter laxatives for a long time. Unsystematic therapy exacerbates existing disorders, therefore, by the time of examination by a doctor, a person usually has many days of constipation, and the defecation process is accompanied by strong straining, the need for manual assistance for emptying.

General principles for the use of laxatives:

● the choice of the drug is carried out taking into account the cause of constipation: irrational nutrition, physical inactivity, intestinal atony after surgery, chronic gastrointestinal diseases, etc.;

● with long-term constipation and the presence of concomitant diseases, a combination of laxatives with a different mechanism of action is recommended;

● The dosage and frequency of use of laxatives are periodically changed in order to achieve a good therapeutic result without harm to health and adverse reactions;

● with difficult and painful bowel movements, oral laxatives are combined with local remedies in the form of rectal suppositories;

● for neurological and psycho-emotional causes of constipation, drugs are prescribed that affect the peripheral and central nervous system.

In medical practice, different types of laxatives are used. They differ in mechanism and strength of action, adverse reactions, indications. Next, we will talk in detail about each group of drugs, mentioning their advantages, disadvantages and nuances of use.

Please note that the information is provided for informational purposes only! For the selection of laxatives, we recommend that you consult an ID-Clinic therapist, which is available online, at a clinic appointment, at home for patients with limited mobility.

Stool bulking agents

Medicines contain bran, cellulose, flax seeds and other components that increase the amount of feces and normalize its consistency. Increased stool volume stimulates mechanoreceptors, enhances intestinal motility and promotes the process of defecation.

The drugs act gently and physiologically, so they are prescribed for long-term use, including in elderly and debilitated patients. The exception is patients in the postoperative period and those with adhesive disease, in whom such laxatives can provoke an increase in pain.

The advantages of drugs from this group:

● have good drug compatibility, which is important for people who constantly take drugs to correct chronic diseases;

● safe medicines with a minimum number of adverse reactions and complications;

● do not “turn off” the motor function of the intestine and are not addictive;

● can be used for a long time without the risk of complications;

● bind cholesterol and increase its excretion with feces, thereby helping to correct dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis.

Osmotic laxatives

Another commonly used group of laxatives. They increase the osmotic pressure in the intestinal lumen and retain water, thereby softening the stool. Like the previous group of drugs, osmotic preparations increase the volume of feces, contribute to its promotion and painless removal during defecation. Medicines can be used long-term to normalize the functioning of digestion and regular stools in patients with chronic constipation.

Benefits of osmotic laxatives include:

● do not irritate the intestinal mucosa;

● are not addictive;

● are not absorbed into the blood, do not wash out salts and vitamins from the intestines;

● have an additional prebiotic effect – stimulate the growth of beneficial intestinal microflora;

● show an auxiliary therapeutic effect in cardiovascular diseases, renal and hepatic insufficiency, diabetes mellitus.

Drugs that cause chemical irritation of intestinal receptors

Drugs from this group have a dual effect. First, they increase intestinal motility, helping to move the stool and causing the urge to defecate. Secondly, drugs stimulate the secretion of fluid and electrolytes into the intestinal lumen, which allows you to increase the volume of feces and make them more liquid. Medicines have a quick laxative effect, so patients often purchase them for self-medication.

However, this category of drugs has a number of significant disadvantages:

● provoke secretory type of diarrhea, causing disturbances in water and electrolyte balance in the body;

● quickly addictive, require a constant increase in doses, which is fraught with dangerous side reactions;

● with prolonged uncontrolled use cause degenerative changes in the nervous structures of the intestine;

● can provoke a specific drug complication – laxative disease.

Given the potential risks and complications, stimulant laxatives are usually given in short courses of up to 2 weeks. They help to cope with long-term constipation, after which patients are transferred to milder and gentler drug options for continuous use.

Softeners

This category includes various types of oils that are taken orally, administered in the form of rectal suppositories. They soften the feces, coat the mucous membrane of the rectum and facilitate the process of defecation.

Such drugs do not have a pronounced laxative effect, so they are used to a limited extent. Most often, oil products are used in the postoperative period and in bedridden patients to reduce straining during bowel movements.

Enemas for constipation – when and why they are prescribed

For many people, enema becomes the main self-help remedy for constipation, but in fact, this procedure is not a treatment and does not help solve the problem of the gastrointestinal tract. Abuse of artificial bowel cleansing is fraught with a violation of the microflora, progressive atony of the colon and aggravation of constipation. Therefore, enemas are prescribed only as a one-time procedure to remove the accumulation of stool and improve the patient’s condition.

The main indication for enema is the lack of effect from drug treatment of constipation. However, do not prescribe an enema yourself. This is a medical procedure that should be carried out on the recommendation of a doctor no more than 1 time per week. For cleansing, ordinary water or water-oil solutions are used, which cover the walls of the intestine, facilitate the removal of dry, lumpy feces.

In addition to conventional enemas, microclysters are also used. They contain a combination of laxatives that are injected in small amounts into the rectum. On sale there are options for single use – a portioned tube with a special tip for rectal use. Microenemas show a strong and fast effect, but like regular enemas, they are not suitable for frequent use.

If the prescribed treatment regimen does not help, and there is a frequent need for enemas to empty the intestines, you should visit the doctor again. A change in pharmacotherapy, the use of stronger laxatives or drug combinations may be required.

With the progression of constipation, the absence of the effect of conservative tactics and complicated forms of colostasis, surgical intervention is indicated. In this case, the ID-Clinic doctor gives a referral for hospitalization so that the hospital surgeon selects the tactics of the operation and performs the necessary treatment.

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Make an appointment with a doctor

If you are concerned about chronic constipation, you should not cultivate self-medication and exacerbate the problem. At ID-Clinic, you can get a doctor’s consultation in a convenient online format – a video conversation is held at the right time and is available to patients anywhere in the world. A full examination, diagnosis and selection of treatment are possible in the clinic or with a home visit. The doctor will select the necessary treatment and draw up a plan for further monitoring.

Inspection

А04.16.001

Abdominal ultrasound (without kidneys)

2000 ₽

B01.047.007

Reception (examination, consultation) of a general practitioner at home

6000 ₽

B01.047.002

Appointment (examination, consultation) with a general practitioner, 30 min.

2500 ₽

Online consultation of a general practitioner

3000 ₽

B01. 047.001

Appointment (examination, consultation) with a general practitioner, 60 min.

3000 ₽

Make an appointment

St. Petersburg, Ivan Chernykh st., 25A

Mon-Sat 09.00-20.00, Sun 10.00-18.00

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  • LavrenchukDmitry Vadimovich

    Infectionist,
    Hepatologist,
    Therapist,
    PhD

Can

Not allowed

Soups

  • Clear broth or decoction
  • Transparent consommé
  • Clear vegetable, chicken or beef broth in bags
  • Any foods with dried food particles or seasonings

Sweets

  • Jelly (e.g. Jell-O®)
  • flavored ice
  • Anything red or purple

Drinks

  • Clear fruit juices, such as from white cranberries, white grapes, or apples
  • Carbonated drinks such as 7-Up®, Sprite®, ginger ale, mineral water, Gatorade®
  • Black coffee (no creamer)
  • Tea
  • Water
  • Juice with pulp
  • nectars
  • Milk
  • Alcoholic drinks