How Much Water Is Too Much For an Enema

Setting up an enema is a rather delicate procedure that some citizens are embarrassed to discuss even with their doctor. However, there is nothing to be embarrassed about. Most people have had to use an enema at least once in their lives. Usually it is necessary to relieve constipation or to free the bowels before surgery.

Do enemas can be done not only in the hospital but also at home. It is necessary to observe all the recommendations of doctors. Surely many of you are interested in the question: how much water is too much for an enema? We will tell you the details of this delicate procedure in our article.

What you will need for the procedure

An enema is designed for infrequent use to make defecation easier. To understand whether you need to resort to a bowel cleansing procedure in your case, you should consult with your doctor. He or she may also recommend other remedies. If an enema is necessary in your situation, your doctor should tell you which solutions can be used.

In most cases, plain water is also suitable for the procedure. Distilled water mixed with certain medicines can also be used. To begin with, no more than 500 milliliters of solution or water should be used. When you repeat the procedure, you can gradually increase the volume. A maximum of 1,500 milliliters of liquid may be administered in one application. The enema can be repeated in severe cases, but not less than 60 minutes after emptying the bowels.

In hospitals, an enema is given using an Esmarh mug. This is a vessel made of glass or enamel, from which comes a rubber long tube with a tip. It is suspended from a special tripod with a height of one and a half meters. To perform the procedure at home will suit a rubber bulb, which can be purchased at any drugstore. Do not forget to buy vaseline or water-based gel in advance.

Instructions for home enemas

Before starting the procedure, it is necessary to prepare sterile equipment. In our case - a rubber bulb with a tip. It should be carefully washed with a soapy solution. It is better to buy a new one, its reuse is undesirable. When the equipment is prepared, start the procedure according to the following instructions:

Prepare the solution for the enema. If you have atonic constipation (decreased muscle tone), you should heat the solution to 20 degrees. In more severe cases, you should use warmer water, but not higher than 38 degrees.
Lubricate the tip of the rubber bulb with Vaseline or gel. This is necessary for a more comfortable insertion.
Lay a towel or sheet on the bed. Lie on your left side, bend your knees and pull them up higher to your chest.
Take a rubber bulb and gently insert the tip about 6-7 centimeters into your anus. Take your time so as not to traumatize your anus.
Introduce the contents of the enema slowly so that there is no discomfort. To do this, gradually squeeze the rubber bulb until it is completely empty.
After inserting the solution, carefully remove the tip.

After completing the procedure, do not stand up. The solution should be retained for 5-10 minutes. To make it easier, lie on your back. After that you can go to the toilet to empty your bowels.

Is it safe to give an enema

An enema is considered a perfectly safe procedure if it is done on the doctor's recommendation and rarely enough. Frequent use of an enema can cause irritation or inflammation of the intestines, which can lead to more serious consequences. In addition, with the solution you can wash away useful bacteria from the mucous membrane of the colon that help protect the body. If they are constantly washed away, you will become more vulnerable to the development of various infections.

The enema must be inserted carefully, so as not to traumatize the rectum. Its mucous membrane is too sensitive, so you must always lubricate the tip with petroleum jelly or gel before insertion into the anus. For the same reason, the solution should be released very slowly. Too rapid introduction of the solution can cause irritation or perforation in the intestine. The approximate insertion of an enema is 1 cup per minute. If you are applying 1,000 milliliters, you will need at least 5 minutes.

Also, be aware of the temperature. Under no circumstances should you administer the liquid above 38 degrees! This can kill the beneficial bacteria that protect against infections. If you are using a prepared kit, the solution should not be heated over a fire. Before using, pour it into a glass bottle, if it is sold in bubbles, and place it in a pot of hot water and hold for no more than 5 minutes. Be sure to measure the temperature of the solution before using it.

So that the enema does not cause discomfort, administer the solution at intervals. As soon as you feel distension in the intestines, stop, wait a few seconds, then continue the procedure. Take deep breaths after the solution is fully injected. This will help to endure unpleasant sensations.

When you should not do an enema

Although an enema is considered safe for all ages, there are some cases when it should not be done. This refers to situations if you are not feeling well. For example, you have nausea or vomiting. If you have persistent or cramping pain in the abdominal area, you should also not do the procedure.

An enema always causes not the most pleasant sensations, but if you are experiencing pain at the same time, it is necessary to stop the process urgently. In such a case, you should visit your doctor and tell him about the problem. He should find a gentler way to empty the bowels. After that, you will most likely be referred for an examination to find out the cause of the painful symptoms.

Remember: never tolerate pain and don't self-medicate! If you have frequent constipation, first of all, you need to review your diet. This is the most common cause of this ailment. We are sure that a balanced diet will help to get rid of constipation. If this does not happen, do not put off going to the doctor. Otherwise, unstable stools can lead to more serious problems!