How to Administer an Enema: 12 Steps (with Images)

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How to Administer an Enema: 12 Steps (with Images)
How to Administer an Enema: 12 Steps (with Images)

Video: How to Administer an Enema: 12 Steps (with Images)

Video: How to Administer an Enema: 12 Steps (with Images)
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Enemas (also known as enemas) can be made up of a variety of solutions and used for a variety of reasons. There are some ready-made, which can be purchased at any pharmacy, or it will be possible to use a specific container for this method. Either way, the process is the same and involves inserting the substance in liquid form into the lower colon through the rectum. Before using an enema, it is important that the patient consults a doctor to confirm, firstly, that it is a good option for the treatment in question, and secondly, which type to use.

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Performing an Enema

Administer an Enema Step 1
Administer an Enema Step 1

Step 1. Prepare to apply the enema, considering the right moment

Whatever the purpose of intestinal lavage through the rectum, the way to do it is the same; however, for retention, it is recommended to apply the enema after a normal bowel movement. For constipation, it will help make the bowels work.

  • Before having the enema, the patient should empty the bladder to alleviate the discomfort associated with adding fluid to the intestines.
  • Buy a deposit (similar to a bag) to use a homemade liquid. Another option is to purchase the Fleet enema, which has a "balloon" attached to it
  • Place a plastic sheet under the place where you will lie down, as there is a risk of releasing the liquid before reaching the bathroom.
Administer an Enema Step 2
Administer an Enema Step 2

Step 2. Fill the container into which the enema will be placed

It must have been thoroughly cleaned - with hot soapy water - after previous uses. Never share this deposit, even after sanitizing; each person must have a unique one. Fill it with the desired solution, as per the doctor's recommendation, and hot water (see more here). Close the tap tightly to contain the liquid; after the tank fills, hold it, hose side down, and slowly open the tap so that the air from the hose is expelled and does not invade the rectum during application, which can cause cramping. Turn off the faucet.

  • In general, for retention enemas, the amount of fluid administered should be less so that the rectum is not flooded. Thus, the individual will be able to retain the solution without discomfort. The doctor will indicate how full the tank should be.
  • It's important to have a way to hang the container so that someone else doesn't have to hold it. Fluid is released according to gravity; just hang the deposit in a place close to where the enema will take place. However, it is necessary that the bag is at a greater height so that the solution can flow freely: around 60 cm is ideal, but no more than 90 cm.
Administer an Enema Step 3
Administer an Enema Step 3

Step 3. Prepare the tube

Measure and mark 10 cm, which is the maximum that the plastic should be introduced into the anus.

Lubricate the end of the tube with petroleum jelly for more comfortable insertion

Administer an Enema Step 4
Administer an Enema Step 4

Step 4. Lie on your left side with your knees tucked against your chest

This will change the position of the lower part of the colon, which will receive more of the solution through the rectum. The anatomical placement of this part of the organ, along with gravity, will cause fluids to reach the highest part of the organ. Turn your head to one side, leaving your left arm under your head.

Administer an Enema Step 5
Administer an Enema Step 5

Step 5. Insert the enema tube into the rectum

Each buttock should be placed to the side, exposing the anus or the outside of the rectum, which is where the tube will be placed. Gradually place the tip of the plastic (or the tip of the bottle of enema Fleet, lubricated) until it enters about 10 cm into the rectum.

  • When inserting the tube, press down and exert force with the anus, as if you were going to evacuate the intestines.
  • Never force the tube into place. If you can't get it on, stop and contact a doctor to discuss next steps.
Administer an Enema Step 6
Administer an Enema Step 6

Step 6. Allow the liquid to enter the rectum

When using an enema tank, open the tap and let the fluid fill the rectum; if using the Fleet, squeeze the “balloon” a little, pressing it gently from the bottom to the top so that the solution does not come back.

Administer an Enema Step 7
Administer an Enema Step 7

Step 7. Wait for fluid to enter the rectum

Breathe through your mouth if there is colic and turn off the faucet until the discomfort improves; then open it again. Keep an eye on the tank until it is empty and then remove the mouthpiece. Be very careful when removing the tube from the Fleet enema, keeping the bottle aside.

Administer an Enema Step 8
Administer an Enema Step 8

Step 8. Go to the bathroom and evacuate

When you are constipated, lie down for a few minutes and at most an hour before going to the bathroom to expel the solution.

If the enema has been used for retention and absorption, stay on the left side of the body for 10 minutes and then for the same period on the right side. This allows the fluid to circulate through the large intestine

Administer an Enema Step 9
Administer an Enema Step 9

Step 9. Watch out for possible side effects

As with any medical treatment, there is a chance that side effects may appear after applying the enema. During the procedure, the patient may have a feeling of “fullness” and some discomfort, while cramps and gas, depending on the case, will persist for a few more hours after the end of the enema. When you notice that they continue for longer than that, see a doctor.

  • Frequent use of enemas can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. The body can absorb fluids through the rectum, but it can also experience loss of electrolytes from the blood if the circulation is hypotonic (or has fewer electrolytes than in the blood), as well as possible irritation in the colon from having to expel more waste than usual.
  • Dehydration can cause severe cardiac and kidney symptoms. Decreased urination, dry mouth, severe thirst, dizziness, disorientation, inability to produce tears, paleness, and wrinkled skin are all symptoms of this disorder.
  • An allergic reaction to any of the medications used in enemas is rare. However, if you notice a rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness or difficulty breathing, go to the nearest hospital.

Method 2 of 2: Understanding enemas

Administer an Enema Step 10
Administer an Enema Step 10

Step 1. Understand the purpose of this procedure

In the vast majority of cases, people perform bowel irrigation to combat constipation; when they cannot fully evacuate, the enema stimulates the large intestine to contract and forces the stool out of the body. In addition, it will also soften them, facilitating the expulsion of waste. However, the enema can be used for other purposes, although it should not be used often to combat digestive problems. When using this procedure many times, the bowel can become “addicted”, making it difficult to eliminate the stool in a natural way.

  • Gerson's therapy also uses enemas. It consists of cleaning toxins from the body, but not based on proven scientific research, but fighting cancer according to the diet and nutrients ingested. There is even the use of coffee enemas, which are an essential part of Gerson's therapy.
  • Retention enemas have also been used for decades to provide medications such as antibiotics and anticonvulsants, as well as to hydrate the body when taking oral medications is impossible. The rectum is a body cavity that absorbs nutrients and fluids completely. Many drugs are applied through suppositories, but in liquid form absorption is much simpler. When there is no way to use an intravenous access, retention enemas can be used to combat dehydration caused by vomiting.
  • The purpose of cleansing enemas, on the other hand, is to eliminate waste from the lower intestines or make the body absorb herbs through the rectum. The volume can be large or small; by irritating the colon, peristalsis is produced and evacuation of the rectum and large intestine occurs.
Administer an Enema Step 11
Administer an Enema Step 11

Step 2. Consider the solutions used in enemas (which can be homemade or purchased from pharmacies)

Their liquid may contain water or medication, depending on the purpose of the treatment; always consult a physician prior to the procedure to determine the content according to the treatment. Below are some of the possible solutions:

  • When using tap water, the volume should always be small, as the liquid is hypotonic, that is, it will remove electrolytes from the blood and transfer it to the enema, then expelling it. This increases the risk of electrolyte imbalance.
  • The soapy water enema is an option, but only if Castilian soap is used. As it is pure, it is not as aggressive as the others, which can pose health hazards in enemas.
  • Oil retention enemas soften the stool in the rectum, facilitating elimination. Adults can use the 150 ml product, while children use up to 75 ml. Retain the solution for 30 to 60 minutes, allowing time for the oil to penetrate and cover the stool.
  • Although uncommon, milk and molasses enemas are comfortable and are great for severe cases of constipation, and can be used up to four times a day. Prepare it by adding 6 tablespoons of powdered milk to 175 ml of water and shake until well mixed; then add 9 more tablespoons of molasses until the color is very even. If in doubt, consult a doctor.
  • Already the coffee enema is indicated to detoxify and clean the intestine. When applied to the rectum, coffee stimulates bile production to aid in toxin removal and improve liver activity. Use only coffee that has been boiled for 10 minutes and then left to cool at room temperature, or ground coffee, which should rest in water overnight. Use only organic coffee to reduce pesticide exposure. Coffee enemas do not have the caffeine present in the drink.
Administer an Enema Step 12
Administer an Enema Step 12

Step 3. Know the contraindications

It is important that the patient is aware of situations in which intestinal irrigation through the rectum is impossible due to side effects. In the vast majority of cases, enemas are okay; even so, those with medical solutions may be contraindicated for some patients.

  • Avoid enemas with medication if you have severe kidney disorders, congestive heart failure, stomach or bowel obstruction, paralytic ileus, megacolon, or Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Do not use them for hydration.
  • Pregnant or lactating women should consult a physician before using any medication to determine if it will not harm the fetus.

Tips

Enemas can be a good way to lessen an episode of constipation while providing hydration at the same time

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