An enema is a procedure in which a liquid or gas is injected into the rectum, the lower section of the large intestine. Emptying the bowels, allowing for an inspection, or administering medication are all goals.

Although an enema can help with some medical ailments, it can also cause major health concerns if used frequently.

An enema should only be used for medical reasons due to the hazards.

In this article, we learn more about enemas and how to use them safely so if you learn more about how much water is too much for an enema visit holistic family practiceva.

What is an enema kit?

An enema can be administered by a medical practitioner or performed at home.

Enema kits are sold at many pharmacies and can also be ordered online. Choose one that has been advised by a healthcare professional.

A bag or other sort of container is frequently attached to a tube or nozzle in a kit. This jar contains a liquid that could be an oil or a laxative.

How to use

Anyone with enough arm and shoulder flexibility to reach behind them should be able to use an enema at home.

When utilizing an enema, there are various concerns to consider:

Using an excessive amount of liquid:

In this situation, the body may store some liquid and then release it unexpectedly.

Exercising the bowels:

This increases the risk of perforation, which occurs when the colon’s lining is ripped. It can cause the contents of the colon to seep into the body.

Using an excessively hot or cold liquid:

This can be inconvenient or painful. An enema’s fluids should be at room temperature.

Use the recommended volume of room temperature fluids and avoid doing an enema too often.

Things to remember

  • Each enema kit is unique and should include detailed instructions. It’s important to read these guidelines carefully to ensure that enema use is both safe and effective.
  • Allow ample time for the enema to work and, if necessary, take a break afterward. After performing an enema, doctors recommend having access to a restroom for 1 hour.
  • Although an enema can be unpleasant, it should not be painful. Stop and seek medical care if you are experiencing pain. Petroleum jelly can help with insertion discomfort.

Enema instructions

Every enema kit has its own set of instructions, but most follow these general guidelines:

  • Towels, a timer, and the enema equipment should be readied in a quiet place with space to lie down, ideally a bathroom.
  • Remove all of your clothes from your bottom half.
  • Hands should be washed with soap and hot water and properly dried.
  • Lay a towel on the floor and lie on your left side if you’re right-handed or your right side if you’re left-handed.
  • To support the topmost leg’s knee, bend it and place a rolled towel underneath it.
  • Remove the cap from the enema’s nozzle.
  • Gently slide the nozzle tip into the anus, then into the rectum for another 10 centimeters (3–4 inches).
  • Remove the nozzle from the rectum gently after slowly squeezing the liquid from the container until it is empty.
  • Allow time for the enema to work. Depending on the kit, this could take anything from 2 minutes to 1 hour, and the instructions should provide a more precise estimate.
  • To empty your bowels, go to the bathroom as usual.

Safety

An enema is an intrusive technique that should only be used when medically necessary. Buy an enema kit from a trustworthy drugstore rather than making your own.

Constipation therapy with an enema frequently can lead to health concerns. The body can develop dependant on enemas to pass stool, weakening the gut muscles in the process. It may become difficult to pass feces spontaneously, and enema misuse might lead to incontinence in certain people.

Constipation regularly could suggest a medical problem. A doctor can advise on possible reasons for constipation and suggest dietary and lifestyle modifications if a person is concerned about it.

Anyone with a weakened immune system, such as those suffering from leukemia, should avoid using an enema due to the possibility of microorganisms entering the body. A person with a compromised immune system may not be able to adequately combat an infection.

An enema should not be used by anyone who has rectal prolapse, a condition in which the end of the lower intestine protrudes from the body. If you have hemorrhoids, you should take extra precautions to avoid more pain.

If a person has had a bowel blockage or colon surgery, they should avoid taking an enema since they are at risk of intestinal perforation.

The use of an enema before giving delivery is no longer a common practice. The operation is intrusive, and it will not help a lady who is in labour.

When to use an enema

Enemas can help some medical disorders. They can also help someone prepare for medical procedures.

There is no scientific proof that an enema improves overall health, and detoxing with an enema can be dangerous. Injecting hazardous microorganisms into the body with items like coffee or oil is also a risk.

An enema is commonly used for the following purposes:

Surgical preparation

Before surgery on the rectum, colon, or gut, it is usually required to have an empty bowel. Before surgery, a person may need to perform an enema at home, or a medical practitioner may provide an enema in the hospital.

Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is a procedure that involves using a tiny camera to examine the health of the rectum or gut. This technique will need that the bowel is empty.

Before the operation, a person’s diet may need to be restricted for a few days trusted Source. The doctor may prescribe an enema to ensure that the gut is empty.

Screening for cancer

An enema with barium

Trusted Sources can assist in the detection of bowel or colon cancer. The colon is emptied with one enema, while the rectum is filled with liquid barium with the other. This is visible on an X-ray, allowing for clear pictures of the intestines. The barium is excreted from the body via a bowel movement after the operation.

Constipation

An enema is a treatment for severe constipation.

For constipation, there are two forms of enema. The first helps stool flow more rapidly by lubricating the bowels. On the other hand, a retention enema stays in the body for longer. A retention enema is often oil-based and soaks the stool to help it flow through the body more easily.

The use of enemas to treat constipation regularly can lead to health issues. Diet and lifestyle modifications are a more long-term solution to constipation. Constipation can be kept healthy and regular by drinking enough water and eating plenty of fiber.

Medication

An enema can be used to give medication. This is notably beneficial in the treatment of colon-related illnesses, including inflammatory bowel disease.

In some situations, an enema can be used to provide other medications. This is due to the rectum’s network of blood vessels’ ability to quickly deliver medicine to other parts of the body.

Outlook

An enema can aid in treating certain health problems and is a required step in other medical treatments. Regular use, on the other hand, can lead to long-term difficulties. Thus a person should always seek expert counsel before using an enema.

One should exercise caution when having an enema because the colon is fragile. Bacteria can disrupt the gut’s balance, cause illness, and harm the rectum. Make sure to follow the directions properly and with care.