What To Know About Enemas

Enemas involve introducing a liquid or gas into the lower part of the large intestine, known as the rectum. The purpose of an enema is to flush out the bowels, permit medical evaluation, or provide medication.

Enemas can treat certain medical conditions but should only be used for medical reasons due to the potential health risks. This article provides more information about enemas and how to use them safely.

What Is An Enema Kit?

An enema is a medical procedure or self-administered therapy involving the insertion of liquids into the rectum. It is used to treat constipation or to prepare a patient for medical procedures. Kits for administering an enema are available at most pharmacies or online and usually include a bag or container, a tube or nozzle, and a liquid such as an oil or laxative. A healthcare provider should be consulted before using an enema.

How To Use

People who can extend their arms and move their shoulders to reach their back can use enemas at home.

When Using An Enema, There Are Some Risks To Consider:

• Using Too Much Liquid: Consequently, the body may retain some liquid and then suddenly expel it.
  
  
• Stretching The Bowel: This raises the possibility of a tear in the colon's lining, leading to a condition known as perforation. If this occurs, the colon's contents can seep and enter the body, creating a dangerous situation.
  
  
• Using Too Hot Or Cold liquid: The liquid used for an enema should be at room temperature to avoid discomfort or pain.

It is advised to use the suggested amount of liquid at room temperature and use enemas sparingly.

Things To Remember

To ensure proper use of an enema, it is essential to read the accompanying instructions carefully. Each enema kit is unique, and the instructions should be followed precisely for maximum safety and effectiveness.

It is essential to allow for sufficient time for an enema to be effective and to give the body a chance to rest afterwards. Medical professionals usually suggest that people have access to a bathroom for at least 60 minutes after an enema is used.

An enema should not cause pain, but it is essential to stop and consult a physician if it does. Petroleum jelly can be used during insertion to help make the enema more comfortable.

Enema Instructions

There are different instructions for every enema kit, but most follow these general steps:

Select a tranquil location with ample space for lying down, ideally a bathroom, and ensure you have towels, a timer, and an enema kit within reach.

• Remove all clothing covering the lower half of your body.
  
  
• Thoroughly wash your hands using hot water and soap, then dry them completely.
  
  
• Place a towel on the floor and lie on your left side if you're right-handed or on your right side if you're left-handed.
  
  
• Bend the knee of your uppermost leg and position a rolled towel beneath it for support.
  
  
• Remove the nozzle cap from the enema.
  
  
• Gently insert the nozzle's tip into the anus and continue to insert it approximately 10 centimetres (around 3–4 inches) into the rectum.
  
  
• Slowly squeeze the contents of the container into the rectum until it's empty, then carefully withdraw the nozzle.
  
  
• Wait for the enema to take effect, noting that this can vary from 2 minutes to 1 hour. Consult the kit's instructions for a more precise estimate.
  
  
• When you feel the need, proceed to the toilet as you normally would to evacuate your bowels.

Safety

It is important only to use an enema if it is medically necessary. When purchasing an enema kit, make sure to buy one from a trusted pharmacy rather than attempting to make your own

Constipation treated with enemas can lead to health issues. The body can become dependent on enemas to evacuate, which can cause the muscles in the gut to become weakened. This can make a person unable to pass stool without an enema and, in extreme cases, could even cause incontinence.

If someone is experiencing constipation more often than usual, they should consult a doctor to determine the possible cause. The doctor can then advise how to adjust the individual's diet and lifestyle to help alleviate the problem.

Individuals with a weakened immune system, such as those with a disease like leukaemia, should not use an enema as it increases the risk of bacteria entering their body. As these individuals may be unable to fight off an infection effectively, they should avoid any activity that could make them more vulnerable.

Rectal prolapse, where the end of the lower intestine protrudes outside the body, indicates avoiding using enemas. For those with haemorrhoids, caution is advised when using enemas to prevent further irritation and discomfort.

A person with a bowel obstruction or colon surgery should avoid using an enema as this increases their risk of bowel perforation. In addition, enemas are no longer the standard recommendation for women in labour as the procedure is invasive and does not benefit the mother.

When To Use An Enema

Certain medical conditions can be treated with enemas, and they can also be used to prepare a person for certain medical procedures.

Enemas are not backed up by scientific evidence as a means to improve or maintain general health. Inserting substances like coffee or oil into the body through enemas can introduce harmful bacteria and, thus, can be detrimental to one's health.

The following are some common uses of an enema:

Preparation For Surgery

Clear the bowels to prepare for surgery on the rectum, colon, or gut is often essential. This can be done at home using an enema or administered by a medical professional in the hospital.

Colonoscopy

Before a colonoscopy, it is important to ensure the bowel is empty. To achieve this, a person may need to change their diet for a few days before the procedure. Additionally, a doctor may prescribe an enema to assist in emptying the bowel. Once complete, a small camera can check the rectum's or bowel's health.

Cancer Screening

An X-ray procedure known as a barium enema checks for bowel or colon cancer. The enema procedure involves emptying the bowel and introducing liquid barium into the rectum. This allows for precise imaging of the bowels on the X-ray. Afterwards, the barium is expelled from the body as a bowel movement.

To treat constipation, an enema can be beneficial. There are two main types of enema: a lubricating enema, which helps stool move quickly through the bowels, and a retention enema, which is usually oil-based and stays in the body for longer to soften stool and make it easier to pass.

Enemas may temporarily relieve constipation but can adversely affect the body if used too often. To achieve long-term relief from constipation, one must make healthy changes to one's diet and lifestyle. Increasing water intake and adding dietary fibre to meals can promote regular bowel movements.

Medication

Enemas can be used to administer medication and treat health problems that affect the colon, such as inflammatory bowel disease. This is an effective method of delivering medication, as the rectum contains a network of blood vessels that can transport the medicine to other parts of the body quickly. In some cases, different types of medication can also be delivered via an enema.

Outlook

Enemas can help treat specific health issues and are essential for some medical procedures. However, regular use can lead to long-term problems, so advice from a doctor should always be sought before using an enema. As the bowels are delicate, it is essential to be careful and gentle when inserting the enema. If done incorrectly, it is possible to upset the natural balance of the gut, cause infection or even injure the rectum. Therefore, following instructions carefully and being gentle when performing an enema is essential.

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