How do enemas work to relieve constipation. What are the potential risks of using enemas. Are there safer alternatives for treating constipation. When should enemas be considered as a treatment option.

The History and Mechanism of Enemas for Constipation

Enemas have been used for thousands of years as a method to alleviate constipation. This ancient practice developed long before the advent of oral and intravenous medications, making it one of the oldest remedies for bowel movement issues. But how exactly do enemas work to provide relief?

An enema involves introducing fluid into the intestines through the rectum. Dr. Bryan Curtin, a gastroenterologist and director of the Center for Neurogastroenterology and GI Motility at the Melissa L. Posner Institute for Digestive Health and Liver Disease at Mercy in Baltimore, explains that this process helps soften and break up stool, facilitating easier passage.

Types of Enemas

There are several types of enemas available, each with its own composition and potential benefits:

• Tap water enemas
• Sodium phosphate enemas (e.g., Fleet enemas)
• Saline enemas
• Glycerin enemas
• Soap suds enemas
• Mineral oil enemas

While phosphorus-based enemas are traditionally considered the most potent, Dr. Curtin notes that any enema can be effective if administered correctly. He typically avoids oil-based enemas due to their messiness.

Proper Administration of Enemas: A Step-by-Step Guide

Administering an enema correctly is crucial for its effectiveness and safety. Dr. Bharat Pothuri, a gastroenterologist at Memorial Hermann in Houston, provides the following guidelines:

1. Drink two glasses of water (16 ounces) before the enema to prevent dehydration.
2. Lie on your stomach with your knees pulled to your chest. If this position is uncomfortable, lie on your left side with both knees bent and arms resting comfortably.
3. Lubricate the enema tube and gently insert it into your rectum.
4. Squeeze the enema container to allow the contents to enter your rectum.
5. Maintain your position until you feel the urge to have a bowel movement.
6. Try to hold the enema for at least five minutes to maximize its benefits.

Why is it important to follow these steps carefully? Proper administration ensures the enema’s effectiveness while minimizing potential discomfort or complications.

The Risks and Concerns of Enema Use

Despite their long history, enemas are not without risks. What are the potential health concerns associated with enema use, particularly when used regularly?

Dehydration and Electrolyte Imbalance

One of the primary concerns with enema use is the risk of dehydration. Frequent use can lead to a serious electrolyte imbalance called hyponatremia, where the blood becomes diluted and its salt content drops below normal levels. What are the symptoms of hyponatremia?

• Muscle spasms
• Brain swelling
• Mental impairment

This risk is particularly high when using plain tap water for enemas.

Hyperphosphatemia

On the other end of the spectrum, overuse of phosphate enemas can result in hyperphosphatemia, a condition characterized by elevated blood levels of phosphate salts. How can this affect your health?

Hyperphosphatemia can lead to various complications, including calcium deposits in soft tissues, cardiovascular issues, and bone problems. It’s crucial to use phosphate enemas only as directed and under medical supervision.

Debunking Enema Myths: The Truth About “Detoxification”

In recent years, some celebrities have promoted enemas as a method to “flush out” the digestive system and detoxify the body. Is there any truth to these claims?

Medical experts unanimously agree that these claims are unfounded. The human body has its own highly efficient detoxification systems, primarily the liver and kidneys. There’s no scientific evidence to support the idea that enemas can “detoxify” the body beyond their basic function of relieving constipation.

Why is it important to be skeptical of such claims? Believing in unproven “detox” methods can lead to unnecessary and potentially harmful practices while distracting from evidence-based health strategies.

Safer Alternatives for Constipation Relief

Given the potential risks associated with enemas, what are some safer alternatives for treating constipation?

• Increasing dietary fiber intake
• Staying well-hydrated
• Regular exercise
• Over-the-counter laxatives
• Stool softeners
• Suppositories

These methods are generally considered safer and can be equally effective for most cases of constipation. Why are these alternatives often preferred over enemas?

These methods work with your body’s natural processes, are less invasive, and have a lower risk of complications when used as directed. They also promote long-term digestive health rather than providing only temporary relief.

When to Consider Enemas as a Treatment Option

While enemas are no longer the go-to solution for constipation, there are still situations where they might be recommended. When should enemas be considered?

Enemas are typically viewed as a last resort when other methods have failed to provide relief. They may be recommended in cases of severe constipation, particularly when there’s a risk of impaction or other complications.

However, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before using an enema. They can assess your individual situation and determine if an enema is appropriate and safe for you.

The Importance of Gut Health in Preventing Constipation

While dealing with constipation is important, preventing it in the first place is even better. How can you maintain good gut health to avoid constipation?

The Role of the Gut Microbiome

Your gut microbiome, the complex ecosystem of bacteria in your digestive tract, plays a crucial role in overall health, including digestive function. How can you support a healthy gut microbiome?

• Eat a diverse diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Include fermented foods in your diet
• Stay hydrated
• Manage stress
• Get regular exercise
• Avoid unnecessary antibiotic use

Incorporating Fermented Foods

Fermented foods act as natural probiotics, helping to populate your gut with beneficial microbes. How can you easily add more fermented foods to your diet?

1. Start your day with yogurt or kefir
2. Use sauerkraut or kimchi as condiments
3. Enjoy kombucha as a refreshing beverage
4. Incorporate miso into soups and sauces
5. Try tempeh as a protein source in meals

Recognizing Signs of an Unhealthy Gut

An unhealthy gut can lead to various health issues, including constipation. What are some signs that your gut health might be compromised?

• Frequent digestive discomfort
• Unexplained weight changes
• Sleep disturbances
• Skin irritation
• Autoimmune conditions
• Food intolerances
• Mood changes

If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider. They can help determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatments or lifestyle changes.

Dietary Strategies for Managing Digestive Health

Diet plays a crucial role in maintaining digestive health and preventing issues like constipation. What dietary strategies can help promote regular bowel movements and overall gut health?

High-Fiber Foods

Increasing your intake of high-fiber foods can significantly improve digestive health. Which foods are particularly high in fiber?

• Legumes (beans, lentils, peas)
• Whole grains (oats, quinoa, brown rice)
• Fruits (especially berries, apples, and pears with skin)
• Vegetables (broccoli, carrots, sweet potatoes)
• Nuts and seeds

Hydration

Proper hydration is essential for maintaining healthy bowel function. How much water should you drink daily?

While individual needs vary, a general guideline is to drink at least 8 glasses (64 ounces) of water per day. However, factors like climate, activity level, and overall health can influence your hydration needs.

Foods That Help Relieve Nausea

While not directly related to constipation, nausea can often accompany digestive issues. What foods can help alleviate nausea?

• Ginger
• Bananas
• Toast
• Rice
• Applesauce
• Peppermint
• Broth-based soups

These foods are typically easy on the stomach and can provide relief from nausea while still providing some nutritional value.

The Connection Between Gut Health and Overall Wellbeing

The health of your gut can have far-reaching effects on your overall wellbeing. How does gut health impact other aspects of your health?

Immune Function

A significant portion of your immune system is located in your gut. How does a healthy gut microbiome support immune function?

A diverse and balanced gut microbiome helps train your immune system to distinguish between harmful and beneficial substances. This can help prevent autoimmune disorders and improve your body’s ability to fight off infections.

Mental Health

There’s a growing body of research suggesting a strong connection between gut health and mental health. How does this “gut-brain axis” work?

The gut and brain communicate bidirectionally through the vagus nerve. A healthy gut microbiome can influence the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin, potentially impacting mood and cognitive function.

Skin Health

The state of your gut can often be reflected in your skin. How does gut health affect skin conditions?

An imbalanced gut microbiome can lead to increased inflammation throughout the body, which may manifest as skin issues like acne, eczema, or psoriasis. Improving gut health can often lead to clearer, healthier skin.

When to Seek Medical Help for Digestive Issues

While occasional constipation is common, persistent digestive problems may require medical attention. When should you consult a healthcare provider about your digestive health?

• Persistent constipation lasting more than a week
• Blood in your stool
• Unexplained weight loss
• Severe abdominal pain
• Chronic diarrhea
• Frequent nausea or vomiting
• Difficulty swallowing

These symptoms could indicate more serious underlying conditions that require professional medical evaluation and treatment.

The Future of Digestive Health: Emerging Research and Treatments

As our understanding of digestive health continues to evolve, new research is paving the way for innovative treatments and prevention strategies. What are some exciting developments in the field of digestive health?

Personalized Nutrition

Advances in genetic testing and microbiome analysis are enabling more personalized dietary recommendations. How might this impact future treatments for digestive issues?

By understanding an individual’s unique genetic makeup and gut microbiome composition, healthcare providers may be able to tailor dietary advice and treatments more effectively, potentially preventing issues like constipation before they occur.

Microbiome Therapies

Research into microbiome-based therapies is advancing rapidly. What potential treatments are on the horizon?

• Precision probiotics designed for specific health conditions
• Fecal microbiota transplantation for various digestive disorders
• Engineered bacteria that can deliver therapeutic compounds directly to the gut

Gut-Brain Axis Interventions

As we learn more about the gut-brain connection, new treatments targeting this axis are being explored. How might this impact digestive and mental health treatments?

Future therapies might involve modulating the gut microbiome to influence mental health conditions, or using brain-directed therapies to improve digestive function. This holistic approach could revolutionize treatment for a wide range of health issues.

In conclusion, while enemas have a long history in treating constipation, modern medicine offers safer and often more effective alternatives. By focusing on overall gut health through diet, lifestyle, and evidence-based treatments, most people can effectively manage and prevent constipation without resorting to enemas. As always, it’s crucial to consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice and treatment plans.

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.

9 Signs of an Unhealthy Gut — and What You Can Do About It

An unhealthy gut is tied to a range of symptoms, from acne to unintentional weight changes. Follow these steps to restore balance to your gut health.

By Erica PatinoJune 12, 2023

9 Foods That Help Relieve Nausea

Eating may be the last thing on your mind when your stomach is queasy, but some foods actually ease the symptoms and help stop nausea.

By Melissa JohnsonMarch 21, 2023

5 Ways to Incorporate More Fermented Foods Into Your Diet

Fermented foods act as a natural probiotic supplement, helping to populate your gut with good microbes. Here are 5 easy, dietitian-approved ways to add…

By Rachel Dyckman, RDNMarch 20, 2023

The Link Between Your Gut Microbiome and Your Health

Your gut microbiome, or the bacteria in your gut, can have a surprising impact on your health. Find out what steps you can take to promote your gut health…

By Erica PatinoFebruary 16, 2023

Should You Use An Enema for Constipation Relief?

Having been used for thousands of years, enemas are one of the oldest methods of getting the bowels moving again if you’re suffering from constipation. Historically, the use of enemas makes sense, developing before the invention of oral and intravenous medication, notes the Canadian Society of Intestinal research.

In recent years, some celebrities have touted enemas as a way to “flush out” the digestive system and detoxify the body. However, this advice is a load of nonsense, and the regular use of enemas can actually be dangerous.

Today, better and safer treatment options, including laxatives, suppositories, and a high-fiber diet, mean enemas are typically recommended as a last resort for constipation because of possible side effects.

The Back Story: How Does an Enema Treat Constipation?

Treating constipation with an enema involves introducing fluid into the intestines via the rectum. This helps soften and break up the stool, says Bryan Curtin, MD, a gastroenterologist and director of the Center for Neurogastroenterology and GI Motility at the Melissa L. Posner Institute for Digestive Health and Liver Disease at Mercy in Baltimore.

There are several types of enemas, including tap water, sodium phosphate (such as Fleet enemas), saline, glycerin, soap suds, and mineral oils.

“While phosphorus-based enemas are traditionally considered the most potent, I find that any enema can be effective if done correctly,” Dr. Curtin says. “The oil-based enemas are fairly messy and I typically avoid those.”

How to Administer an Enema

To administer an enema, follow the instructions on the box or leaflet closely.

Bharat Pothuri, MD, a gastroenterologist at Memorial Hermann in Houston, offers the following tips for using an enema safely and effectively:

• Drink 16 ounces of water (two glasses) prior to the enema, as an enema can cause you to become dehydrated.
• Lie on your stomach with your knees pulled to your chest. If you are unable to, lie on your left side with both knees bent and your arms resting comfortably.
• Lubricate the enema tube and gently insert it into your rectum, squeezing the enema so that the contents can enter your rectum.
• Wait in that position until you feel the need to move your bowels. Try to hold the enema in for at least five minutes to achieve maximum benefit.

“It’s important to make sure you hold onto the enema until the urge to defecate is strong,” Curtin says.

Possible Side Effects of Enemas

While enemas can be a useful tool for treating severe constipation, they do come with some risks and are not meant for frequent use.

“Like any other medication, enemas can be abused,” Curtin says. “Too much enema use can lead to anorectal pain disorders. Generally, you should avoid using enemas regularly unless instructed to by your doctor.”

Enemas that are administered incorrectly can damage the tissue in the large intestine and cause bowel perforation, research such as a case report published in 2020 in SAGE Open, has shown. If an enema is not sterile, it can put you at risk of an infection, including sepsis, Dr. Pothuri notes.

One study notes that perforation, hyperphosphatemia (a condition characterized by too much phosphate in the blood), and sepsis following enema use may cause death in up to 4 percent of cases.

Long-term use of enemas can lead to electrolyte imbalances, which can cause uncomfortable symptoms like fatigue, headache, muscle cramping, nausea and vomiting, per the Cleveland Clinic.

People with colorectal cancer, an enlarged distended colon which may be more prone to perforation, and people who have active inflammatory bowel disease should avoid using enemas, Pothuri says.

If you have any questions about the safety of enemas, talk to your doctor. It’s best to consult your healthcare provider before using an enema and to exhaust all other ways of treating constipation first.

Safer Options for Constipation Relief

Because of the possible side effects of enemas, it’s usually only advised as a last-resort option to treat constipation.

Before considering an enema, make sure you’ve tried the following options:

High-Fiber Diet “Generally, your doctor will first start by recommending dietary changes,” Curtin says. Adding fiber to your diet increases the bulk of your stool, speeding up its passage through the digestive system. Curtin says patients who are constipated should aim for 20 to 30 grams of daily fiber. A good starting point is to add more fruits and vegetables into your diet, as well as whole grains. A sharp increase in fiber can cause bloating and gas, per the Mayo Clinic, so aim to gradually increase the amount over a few weeks. Over-the-counter supplemental fiber, such as Metamucil, is also available. Talk to your doctor to learn if this is a good option for you.

Stay hydrated. Drinking enough water is important for overall health, including digestion. “The main purpose of the colon is to reabsorb water from the stool, and if you are dehydrated more water will be taken in, leading to harder to pass stools,” Curtin says. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine suggests that women get a total of about 2.7 liters (11 cups) of fluid per day and that men get about 3.7 liters (16 cups) per day. Note that not all of this fluid has to be water; it can also include nutrient-rich foods and beverages like fruit, vegetables, juice, and tea. Also, it’s important to spread out the fluids over the day. Alcohol and caffeinated drinks can cause dehydration, so you’ll want to avoid those if you’re constipated.

Laxatives Laxatives, or stool softeners, such as docusate or milk of magnesia, are available over the counter. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about these medications. Overusing laxatives can lead to worsening symptoms, per the Cleveland Clinic, so you should not use the treatment for more than two weeks without talking to your healthcare provider.

Other lifestyle changes like exercise can help get things moving in your digestive tract. It’s also smart to keep a food journal so you can see which foods trigger your constipation. Certain medications and supplements may also cause constipation, so if that is a concern, talk to your doctor, who may adjust your dose or switch your prescription.

Some prescription drugs are also available to treat chronic constipation. Your healthcare provider will work with you to decide on which one is best for you. If there’s a structural problem in your colon that’s causing your constipation, your doctor might recommend surgery.

Call your doctor to talk through options if constipation is a new issue for you or you’ve been constipated for more than a few weeks.

A Day in the Life of Someone With Crohn’s Disease

Patient-advocate Rocio Castrillon gives readers a reality check on all the daily preparations of someone living with an IBD.

By Rocio CastrillonJuly 8, 2023

What Is Constipation? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

Constipation is a common digestive issue in which bowel movements are infrequent or difficult to pass.

By Paula DerrowFebruary 14, 2023

7 Foods to Avoid for Constipation Relief

One cause of constipation can be found in the type of foods you eat. Learn more about red meat constipation and other foods to avoid when constipated….

By Ashley WelchOctober 19, 2022

Dos and Don’ts of Constipation Relief

Some foods help digestive health, while others slow down your inner workings. Learn about foods that relieve or prevent constipation, plus the ones to…

By Jordan M. DavidsonJuly 19, 2022

10 Good Foods to Help Relieve Constipation

Chances are you’ve experienced constipation at one point or another. Here are good foods that help you poop and get on with your life.

By Beth W. OrensteinNovember 2, 2017

Baby Constipation

Baby constipation is common, and a baby’s normal bowel habits vary greatly depending on their age and what they eat, but if your baby isn’t having regular…

By Joseph Bennington-CastroFebruary 19, 2016

Constipation Relief and Treatment

Constipation relief and treatment depends on its severity, duration, and cause – which can include a range of factors, from a low-fiber diet to medications. ..

By Joseph Bennington-CastroFebruary 19, 2016

Constipation Symptoms

Constipation symptoms include having lumpy, hard, dry stool that’s difficult to pass, straining to pass stool, pain or bloating in the abdomen.

By Joseph Bennington-CastroFebruary 19, 2016

Bowel Movements: What’s Considered Normal?

Not having regular bowel movements daily doesn’t mean you are constipated. Learn about symptoms of constipation and what normal amount of bowel movements…

By Beth W. OrensteinMarch 30, 2011

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.

How is an enema done for constipation at home?

Contents

• Is it really necessary: ​​advantages and disadvantages of the procedure
• What are enemas?
• Which enemas are suitable for adults and which are suitable for children?
• How to do the procedure at home?
• Precautions: what not to do?

Various laxatives, herbs, prebiotics and even diets can be used. But it also happens that all these means do not have the expected result, and then the last, most powerful and effective way is enema.

This is a medical procedure and should therefore be approached responsibly and competently. There are even a number of specific rules, on the implementation of which the success of self-help depends.

Those who suffer from chronic constipation will benefit from knowing who, when and how to properly administer an enema.

Contents

Is it really necessary: ​​advantages and disadvantages of the procedure

Enemas can be classified into several main types: medicated, rinsing, voiding, and subaqueous. Each of them can be hypertonic, oily and cleansing.

And there are two radically different opinions about the benefits and disadvantages of enemas. Traditional medicine is of the opinion that the abuse of such procedures can lead to thinning of the intestinal walls, so the use of an enema is recommended only for acute toxic poisoning. Traditional medicine advises the use of enema for almost any disease.

But both of them agree on one thing, besides the obvious cleansing advantages, the method also has no less pronounced disadvantages:

• With regular use of enemas, the natural acid balance in the large intestine is disturbed.
• Dysbacteriosis may develop, as unnatural disturbances of the microflora occur.
• The walls of the large intestine are stretched under the influence of the volume of injected fluid, which leads to muscle atony and the so-called “lazy bowel”. This only exacerbates the problem of constipation.

But if you approach such an influence wisely, using an enema only as an extreme option, then there is nothing wrong with that. The advantages of the method include its indispensability in the paralytic postoperative state of the intestine, during infectious diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, in case of poisoning and after a heart attack. An enema is the only way out when it is impossible to treat with laxatives, when its use is not only justified by the indications, but also extremely necessary. But resorting to intensive cleansing techniques with an enema is not only harmful, but also dangerous.

What are enemas?

Enemas can be divided according to the amount of liquid to be injected into micro, medium and large. For the first, the volume of liquid is 100 ml, and often these are medicinal solutions. For medium – 500 ml, and for large ones, up to 2 liters are introduced. At home, you can do:

• Cleansing enema – does not affect the muscles of the intestine, but simply flushes the feces with water.
• Hypertonic enema is a kind of microclyster designed to provoke receptors in the intestinal mucosa and spur the process of self-cleansing.
• Oil enema – in which olive, sunflower or paraffin oil is added to 100 ml of solution.
• “Microlax” enema – is made on the basis of a viscous solution, which is sold ready-made in pharmacy kiosks. It contains sodium citrate, sodium lauryl sulfate and sorbitol in different dosages. The tool starts working after 10 minutes, and to get the effect, it is enough to use only 5 ml of the drug. Such drugs cannot have a prolonged action, and therefore do not affect the functioning of the intestines, there is no addiction.

How are scrapings taken for enterobiasis in children? Research cost.

How do I take the deworming drug Decaris? Instructions for using it in this article.

Which enemas are suitable for adults and which are suitable for children?

A child has a problem with stool much more often than an adult. For young children, problems with stools are very typical due to the partial immaturity of the intestines, as well as the lack of the necessary bacterial microflora, which will appear only in the first few months of life. Before giving an enema to a baby, you need to determine the causes of constipation. And for this it is better to bring him for a consultation with a local pediatrician or surgeon.

Very often, constipation is provoked by dysbacteriosis, which manifests itself after antibiotic treatment or with weakness of the intestinal muscles. But in this case, you can avoid enema, just give the child prebiotics that help normalize the digestive process.

Enemas are not recommended for children under 5 years of age, it is better to simply lubricate the anus with oil and inject a little into the rectum. If the cause of difficult emptying is dryness of the anus, then this is the best way to avoid problems.

To give an enema to an adult, it is enough to get a syringe or Esmarch’s mug. Prepare two liters of warm and boiled water. The container is filled with water half of the free volume, while the faucet must be closed.

The mug is hung up so that it is much higher than the lying person. The speed at which the liquid will flow into the intestine depends on the height at which it will hang. An adequate height is 1.5, if the mug hangs higher, then there is a chance of damaging the intestinal walls.

For adults, any of the components of the enema solution will work. These can be pharmaceutical antiseptics, herbal infusions, and even a very weak solution of citric or acetic acid. For 2 liquids, you need a few drops of apple cider vinegar or freshly squeezed lemon juice.

Strongly infused chamomile, peppermint, pomegranate peel or oregano herb can be used as a medicinal decoction. All of them have anti-inflammatory and laxative qualities. Acetic and citric acids increase peristalsis.

Salt solution is also suitable for adults, which irritates receptors in the rectum. This type of enema is called hypertonic. Such a tool attracts fluid from the walls of the intestines, which helps to soften and remove feces.

Buy a solution as in finished form, which includes heptahydrate and magnesium sulfate, current and prepare at home. In a glass of warm water, it is necessary to dilute a teaspoon of salt, fine-grained, without a slide. Or dissolve 20 g of powdered magnesia in 250 ml of water.

Hypertonic enema is done using an ordinary medical pear, the volume of which is 250 ml. The methodology is very simple: the solution is injected into the rectum of a person lying on their side. The urge to go to the toilet will begin in about 25 minutes.

Hypertonic enemas should not be given to children as the saline solution can seriously damage the intestinal walls. And adults should not resort to this method more than once every 7 days. And only with the approval of a doctor.

[warning] Amounts of liquid that children of different ages are allowed to give in the form of an enema solution:

• infants: 30-50 ml;
• 1 to 8 years: up to 300 ml;
• 8 to 12 years old: 500-700 ml.[/warning]

Use only a bulb or syringe and buy one with a soft tip. The temperature is also important: the solution should not be colder or hotter than 26C. This temperature is comfortable for the baby’s intestines.

How to do the procedure at home?

To get the maximum effect from an enema, you need to know how to do it correctly. It is best to carry out the procedure in the bathroom, or, if space permits, then directly in the bathroom. It is better to cover the floor with oilcloth. The solution is prepared in advance, if the enema is oil, then it must be warmed up and not tightened with the enema.

The person lies on the left side, bends the legs at the knee and pulls them slightly towards the stomach. With a cleansing enema, air must first be released from the hose, until water drips from the tip. After the faucet can be blocked. The tip of a syringe or an Eismarch mug is lubricated with Vaseline, and then gently, with the help of rotation, is inserted into the anus.

[warning] When using an oil mini enema – the solution must be injected very slowly, and if the volume of liquid is large, then just open the tap. If pain occurs, the procedure is stopped, allowing the liquid to move through the intestines. [/warning]

There is one important nuance with the cleansing enema. The fluid is not injected all at once. First, 500 ml is poured in, the fecal plugs that block the rectum are removed, and only after that the remaining 1.5 liters are used. You need to lie down and wait 20 minutes, and then slowly go to the toilet.

If there is no urge to defecate, then begin to massage the stomach, smooth movements, directed from the pubis to the sternum. Or you can simply lie on your right side, helping the fluid to penetrate further, following the direction inside the colon.

Laxative drops Regulax: instructions for use and similar preparations.

How does colitis in adults present and how is it treated? Read in this article.

How is rotavirus transmitted? http://vashjeludok.com/kishechnik/k-bolezni/rotavirus.html

Precautions – what not to do?

It is strictly not recommended to use soap and soda as additives to the enema solution. These two agents lead to erosive destruction of the walls of the large intestine.

Being highly concentrated, they cause severe irritation of the mucosa, which provokes the formation of micro-ulcers, tenzemas and edema.

If an ordinary enema does not work, it is better to seek help from a pharmacy.