Many healthy people can eliminate fecal waste without the use of enemas. However, not everyone has the benefit of eliminating waste this effectively. Proponents say that poor elimination can lead to the development of health issues, including skin conditions e. Many people buy an enema for an occasional constipation. Constipation is a common problem that many people will experience throughout their lives. A visit to the doctor is likely to result in suggestions like, eat more fiber or exercise more.
Once you have tried these alternatives, your doctor may recommend a home enema to relieve temporary symptoms associated with a sluggish colon, such as bloating and discomfort. It is recommended to discuss a constipation problem with your medical provider before using an enema. He or she may have additional suggestions to relieve constipation, but enemas are also a great alternative to helping relieve such pressure in your body.
Before engaging a medical professional, prepare a few questions on how to use enema. He or she may recommend an OTC enema or Enema fleet to resolve temporary symptoms.
If you have a specific medical condition, they may ask your pharmacy to fill a prescription. Most people want to know how to use enema. They may be concerned about the insertion of an OTC enema or Enema fleet nozzle, or have questions about how long it will take for the enema to work. Questions about how to use enema may involve disrupting healthy intestinal bacteria.
You may also have concerns about whether an enema will disrupt the intestinal microbiome. If the individual has recently taken an antibiotic or chemotherapy, he or she may need to restore healthy bacteria in the large intestine. According to the National Institutes of Health NIH , the average human has trillions of beneficial bacteria in the intestinal microbiome. Although some bacteria will be released with the stool after an enema, it will not affect the bacteria safely nestled in the intestinal mucosal lining.
If your healthcare provider orders a home enema for constipation or to treat your condition, make sure to follow instructions exactly as they are given. He or she may recommend using a little petroleum jelly to lubricate the anus before inserting the enema nozzle. He or she may also recommend that you drink plenty of clear liquids for a period of time before taking an enema.
In addition to treating constipation, an enema may be used to administer medicines or barium. Few patients have questions about how to use enema in modern hospital delivery rooms. Typically, your doctor will recommend one of the following types of enemas:. In many cases, the various enemas available deliver different types of medication. Your doctor may recommend the delivery of medicines with an enema:. If your doctor prescribes medicine to be delivered with an enema, follow his or her directions with care.
The burning questions of how to use an enema can be straightforward but the experience will likely be different for everyone. Before jumping directly to use, make sure to have clean towels, a place to lie down, and an enema kit on hand.
This brand-name enema uses a salt called sodium phosphate to keep water in the intestines. The Fleet enema for constipation is considered the most powerful, and must be given in the precise dosage to prevent side effects. It also comes in its own disposable squeeze bag and nozzle, making it very convenient because no other equipment is required. Mineral oil enema. These types of enemas work like lubricants, making it easier for patients to pass impacted stools.
Saline solution enema. These homemade enemas require the purchase of some equipment, including an enema bag, enema tube, and distilled water. The most common solution involves two teaspoons of table salt to a quart of lukewarm distilled water. Milk and molasses.
Another homemade enema can be created by combining equal parts whole milk and molasses. The sugars in the milk and the molasses remain in the intestines and soften impacted stool. Using an enema doesn't have to be weird or scary, it is a normal medical procedure that can help you feel better if you are suffering with constipation. Don't be embarrassed to ask questions about your body or your health. You are your best advocate! Log in. Shop Categories. Shop Categories Aids for Daily Living.
Incontinence Products. Infection Control Supplies. Ostomy Supplies. Personal Care. Respiratory Care. Shop Brands. Read Articles. Sign In. Create Account. Back to All Blog Posts How long does it take an enema to work? What is an enema? An enema is a liquid laxative that is administered rectally. According to the Canadian Society of Intestinal Research , medicinal uses include:. According to a article , the concept of using an enema comes from the historical theory of autointoxication.
This theory suggests that toxins and other waste products of digestion collect in the colon from where they may reabsorb into the body. Some people suggest that using an enema can reduce the time toxins spend in the colon and boost health, as a result. Others believe enemas may play a role in treating conditions such as cancer. However, the Canadian Society of Intestinal Research state that evidence for the health benefits of using an enema for detoxification is limited.
They warn that other than for medicinal purposes, using an enema at home can be dangerous if a person does not do it correctly. If a person chooses to use an enema at home, they should set aside enough time so that they do not rush the process. It is best not to eat for at least 30 minutes before starting the process. After injecting the fluid, the individual should lie on their back and try to hold it in for as long as they can.
They will usually be unable to keep their bowels closed for more than 5 minutes. Regardless of how quickly the enema works, the individual should stay near the bathroom in case they need to pass the contents of their bowels again for the remainder of the hour.
A person may find that they are unable to have a bowel movement after using an enema. If this happens, they must seek medical attention. A doctor can examine the contents of the bowel and may suggest using a second enema. A healthcare professional might perform a barium enema if they want to see the outline of the large intestine. This enema uses a solution that contains barium, which coats the intestinal wall and helps to show the shape of the digestive tract on an X-ray.
Sodium phosphate laxatives draw water into the bowel, softening the stool, making it easier to pass. This is because they can cause dehydration or abnormal levels of electrolytes in the blood.
0コメント