Enema - Types, Volume, Benefits And Harms, How Often To Do

2024 Author: Rachel Wainwright | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-15 07:39

Enema

An enema is a medical procedure, the essence of which is the introduction of fluid into the rectum or colon through the anus.

Types of enemas

There are several approaches to the classification of enemas, depending on the trait that is taken as the basis for the classification.

According to the purpose for which these manipulations are used, they are divided into cleansing and nutritious. Cleansing enemas are used to cleanse the large intestine from feces, for example, before surgery or childbirth, to remove toxins in case of poisoning and intoxication.

Medicinal enemas involve the introduction of medicinal solutions into the large intestine. In this case, the healing effect is directed either locally (on the intestinal mucosa), or the drug is absorbed into the blood through the walls of the vessels, exerting a systemic effect on the body.

In the past, nutritional enemas were used, but now there are more effective and reliable ways of introducing nutrients into the body, so such procedures have only historical value.

By the amount of liquid for an enema, all of them can be divided into:

• Microclysters (mainly medicinal, with an enema volume of 10-100 ml);
• Cleansing (enema volume is 1.5-2 liters);
• Siphon (with a total volume of enemas in several passes up to 15-20 liters).

Compositional classification:

• Water (simple);
• Medicinal (with decoctions of medicinal herbs, anti-inflammatory drugs or sea buckthorn oil, phenobarbital, etc.);
• Soap (used to stimulate bowel cleansing for constipation, they are often combined with glycerin);
• Glycerin (for constipation);
• Oil (use vaseline or vegetable oils, with persistent constipation to protect the intestinal mucosa from excessive irritation, for example, with subsequent soap enemas);
• Acidic (water for an enema is acidified with a small amount of acetic or citric acid, this stimulates intestinal peristalsis, but not as much as glycerin or soap enemas);
• Soda (a small amount of sodium bicarbonate leads to a shift in acidity to the alkaline side, which reduces irritation from the injected solution and spasms, and also helps well with fermentative dyspepsia and diarrhea).

What water is required for an enema

How often to do an enema and what kind of liquid is required for this depends on the purpose for which the enema is given, since for it it is necessary to take water only at a given temperature.

Cold water for an enema (0 - 18 degrees) reduces high body temperature in case of fever or heat stroke. It also strongly stimulates intestinal peristalsis, which helps with atonic constipation and paresis of the large intestine. Cold water, in contrast to warm water, does not dissolve feces, which means it prevents the occurrence of fecal intoxication with fecal blockages. Due to increased bowel tone, enemas with cold water are contraindicated for spastic constipation.

Cool water for an enema has room temperature, it delivers less discomfort and is an alternative option for children with the same indications as a cold enema, since it is very difficult for babies to tolerate the introduction of cold water into the rectum.

Warm water for an enema is at or slightly higher than your body temperature. The main effect of this kind of manipulation is antispasmodic. Warm enema does not change body temperature, gently stimulates peristalsis. The indications for her will be spastic constipation, the introduction of warm medicinal solutions for absorption in the rectum, as an alternative enema for young children. A warm enema is contraindicated in fecal intoxication due to its ability to intensify due to dissolution of fecal masses, as well as in the atonic nature of constipation, since the warm liquid relaxes the already atonic intestinal wall.

The benefits and harms of enemas

The benefit of an enema lies in its effect on intestinal motility. Depending on the type of constipation, the benefits of an enema will be to stimulate peristalsis or, conversely, to relieve spasms of the intestinal wall and relax it, which helps eliminate constipation and improve well-being. Undoubtedly, the benefits of enemas and in those cases when it is required to enter the body of drugs, bypassing their transformation in the liver.

The harm of an enema is manifested with too frequent or improper use. So, regular procedures can lead to the fact that the intestines will not independently cope with the advancement of feces and emptying of the intestines, getting used to constant support.

The harm of enemas is also in the violation of the acid-base balance in the intestinal lumen, its drying and in the washing out of beneficial microflora from the mucous membrane, as well as in excessive stretching of the intestinal walls. Therefore, a healthcare professional should advise how often to give an enema for therapeutic purposes.

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