The repeated use of enemas can, over time, cause serious problems, such as:. One type of enema is called a high colonic or colon hydrotherapy. They're invasive and can lead to harmful effects if you use them to clear out stool on a regular basis.
If you have hemorrhoids, enemas may cause extra pain. If you have a rectal prolapse the end of the lower intestine protruding from your rectum , you should avoid using an enema. In , the U. Food and Drug Administration FDA issued a warning against the repeated use of enemas containing sodium phosphate, such as the brand Fleet Enema and multiple store brands with the same ingredients. The sodium phosphate enema is especially dangerous for elderly people. It can lead to hyperphosphatemia—an electrolyte disorder that involves high phosphate levels and low calcium levels in the blood.
This can lead to pain, rash, muscle cramps, intermittent spasms, kidney and liver damage, and rarely death. A lot of people tout at-home enemas, often with "special" ingredients, for cleansing your bowel, improving digestive health, or other supposed benefits. These uses of enemas are not recommended by the medical community.
This includes enemas containing coffee, herbs, minerals such as Epsom salt, soap suds, acidic solutions, and basically anything your healthcare provider hasn't told you to use. In addition to the regular risks of enemas, these fad enemas can cause:.
Again, an enema should be a last resort for treating constipation. In most cases, constipation can be relieved with lifestyle changes, such as:.
Over-the-counter laxatives may be an option for you, but they also come with risks. Talk to your healthcare provider about them, especially if you have regular constipation. Constipation can be caused by a serious conditions, such as neurological problems or colon cancer. If you have constipation that it's hard to relieve, talk to your healthcare provider. Constipation isn't pleasant and you probably want quick relief. If safe and recommended treatments don't offer that, seek medical help instead of trying home remedies that may do more harm than good.
Gas pain? Stool issues? Sign up for the best tips to take care of your stomach. Portalatin M, Winstead N. Medical management of constipation. Clin Colon Rectal Surg. Colonoscopic enema as rescue for inadequate bowel preparation before colonoscopy: a prospective, observational study. Colorectal Dis. Seow-choen F. The physiology of colonic hydrotherapy. Then, the walls of your intestines absorb nutrients from the food. What remains as waste passes along to your colon and rectum. At times, things may go wrong in this process and the waste becomes stuck in the colon.
This is known as fecal impaction of the colon. Impacted feces block the way for new waste to leave the body, causing it to back up. The primary cause of fecal impaction of the colon is constipation. Constipation is difficulty passing stool or the infrequent passing of stool.
Constipation is painful, and people who have it often feel bloated and uncomfortably full. You may also feel the need to go to the bathroom without being able to. This is called fecal impaction of the colon. They will perform a physical exam, which includes an examination of your abdomen to confirm the diagnosis. After this, your doctor will administer a digital rectal exam to check for fecal impaction. In this test, your doctor puts on a glove, lubricates one of their fingers, and inserts it into your rectum.
If your doctor suspects impaction after performing the exams, they may order an X-ray of the abdomen. Other possible procedures are an abdominal ultrasound or a viewing of the colon using a tiny microscope called a sigmoidoscope. A barium enema can also highlight the problem areas. A barium enema involves inserting a dye into your rectum and then taking an X-ray of the colon and rectum.
The first method of treatment for fecal impaction is usually an oral laxative. There are many over-the-counter laxatives that can help stimulate clearing of the colon. An enema is a small, fluid-filled bottle with a nozzle attached. The nozzle inserts into the rectum.
Enema for constipation or an enema for a doctor's exam can be done safely and effectively. An enema should relieve you of your constipation and help you to feel more comfortable. If you are frequently constipated, you will again want to talk to your doctor about it and see what they can do for you. Constipation can be a symptom of other problems and your doctor can help you figure out why you are having problems. If you are using an enema for a medical examination and need to know when to use the enema or how long the enema lasts you can ask your doctor if they would like you to perform the enema in the morning the day of the exam or the night before.
Give yourself space and time so you can be comfortable. 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.
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