In another case, an older man died from severe electrolyte disruption caused by taking two sodium phosphate enemas 3 , 15 , Other reports note that the overuse of enemas to flush out the colon may lead to severe dehydration, which can be fatal Lemon juice , apple cider vinegar, and coffee enemas are highly acidic, and scientific evidence to suggest their effectiveness or safety is lacking. Similarly, there are reports of children being given acidic hydrogen peroxide enemas, which resulted in an inflamed colon, bloody diarrhea, vomiting, and long-term complications Furthermore, in some people, herbal enemas have caused internal bleeding that required a blood transfusion and removal of the colon 1.
The use of dirty tools increases your risk of contracting a potentially dangerous infection. Improper tool use may also cause physical damage to your rectum, anus, or colon. Studies indicate that perforation of the bowel is not a rare complication of frequent enema use that could put your internal organs at risk of infection 3 , 12 , Sterile enema injection kits, which usually include a bucket, tubing, solution, and sometimes a bulb, can be found online or at many local drug stores.
They come with directions for cleaning and safe use. Though enemas can be safe and effective, they come with many risks, especially when administered at home. Improperly used enemas can cause potentially life-threatening physical and chemical damage to your rectum or colon.
Some potential alternatives to enemas, which can promote waste excretion and bowel regularity, include 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 :. If you have severe constipation or other medical issues, speak to your medical provider to determine whether an enema would be a safe and appropriate treatment.
Less risky alternatives to enemas that can help stimulate bowel movements include staying hydrated, getting regular exercise, and following a healthy, high-fiber diet. Enemas are used to relieve constipation and cleanse the colon. Water- or oil-based solutions are injected into the bowel through your rectum to expel impacted waste. Mild enemas like water or saline carry the least risk, but you should consult your healthcare provider before using one at home.
Furthermore, ensuring the proper use of sterile injection tools is very important for safety. Many people swear by enemas to promote regularity and prevent constipation , but evidence of their effectiveness is limited. Colorectal Dis. Seow-choen F. The physiology of colonic hydrotherapy. Facts and Fallacies About Digestive Diseases.
Perforation and mortality after cleansing enema for acute constipation are not rare but are preventable. Int J Gen Med. Fatalities and severe metabolic disorders associated with the use of sodium phosphate enemas: a single center's experience. Arch Intern Med. FDA Drug Safety Communication: FDA warns of possible harm from exceeding recommended dose of over-the counter sodium phosphate products to treat constipation.
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How Constipation Is Treated. Was this page helpful? Reading these instructions carefully can help make sure enema use is safe and effective. Make sure to plan enough time for the enema to work and to take a rest afterward, if needed. Doctors generally recommend having access to a bathroom for 1 hour after using an enema.
An enema can be uncomfortable, but it should not be painful. If there is a pain, stop and seek medical advice. Using petroleum jelly can ease discomfort during insertion. An enema is an invasive procedure, and a person should only use one for medical reasons.
Buy an enema kit from a reputable pharmacy — avoid homemade kits. Using an enema as a regular treatment for constipation can cause health problems. The body can become reliant on enemas to pass stool, and the muscles in the gut may weaken over time.
It may become difficult to pass stool naturally, and in some cases, enema overuse could cause incontinence. Frequent constipation can indicate a medical condition. If a person has concerns about constipation, a doctor can advise about possible causes and recommend diet and lifestyle changes. Anyone with a compromised immune system — because of a disease such as leukemia , for example — should not use an enema, because of the risk that bacteria may enter the body.
A person with a weakened immune system may not be fully able to fight an infection. Anyone with rectal prolapse , in which the very end of the lower intestine comes out of the body, should avoid using an enema. If a person has hemorrhoids , they should take extra care to avoid further discomfort. If a person has had a bowel obstruction or colon surgery, they have an increased risk of bowel perforation and should avoid using an enema.
The use of an enema before giving birth is no longer the standard recommendation. The procedure is invasive and does not benefit a woman in labor. Enemas can help treat some medical conditions. 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. These potential side effects can lead to serious complications, including kidney damage. According to one article , a soap sud enema is typically safe to use. According to DailyMed , a person should try to hold in the enema for 5 minutes. Though there is little scientific evidence to support this, coffee enemas are popular in treating :. A study on management of constipation in older adults suggests warm water enemas are safe.
They may be a useful aid for individuals who are unable to tolerate oral preparations for constipation. There are a series of steps to follow for home use :. Enemas are typically safe and easy to use, providing a person administers them correctly, using sterile equipment. However, if someone administers an enema incorrectly, there may be a risk of :.
Before a person uses enemas at home, they should consult a medical professional and follow any written instructions carefully. According to DailyMed , if someone does not feel the urge after 5 minutes of using a mineral oil enema, they should try to empty their bowels. If no liquid comes out after 30 minutes, they should call a doctor promptly due to the risk of dehydration.
Advice varies according to the contents of an enema, but most people should avoid using an enema if they have kidney or heart conditions. Older people tend to have greater risks of adverse effects and should avoid using enemas unless necessary. Some of these complications can be life threatening.
If a person is experiencing rectal bleeding, they should seek help at once. An enema is a device that people use to clear the lower half of the large bowel.
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