Types of enemas, indications for use and technique. What should be the enema solution

An enema is a procedure during which water, drugs or other substances are injected into the body (into the rectum through the anus or into the colon using intestinal tubes or using an enema tip).

All enemas can be classified according to the purpose of application, the volume of injected fluid, the composition of the solutions and the temperature of the fluid. You can make an enema at home, but do not forget that the enema in the hospital is carried out by professionals, so it is much safer.

For the purpose of use, purifying, therapeutic, nutritious, erotic, psychotropic and ritual enemas are distinguished.

Cleaning

The setting of a cleansing enema is usually carried out with the aim of washing and cleansing the colon, eliminating feces and constipation, treating intoxication or poisoning. It is used before various surgeries and anal sex. The solution with such an enema is not absorbed, but is erupted.

Healing enema

The price of such an enema usually depends on the composition of the solution. Carrying out this procedure in the hospital, you will also pay for the services of doctors.

Medical enemas (or medicinal ones) are usually microclysters, and the volume of injected fluid does not exceed 100 ml. They are used to introduce medicinal substances into the sigmoid and rectum (for example, decoctions of herbs, suspensions of biological or medicinal products) and keep them inside for at least half an hour until completely absorbed. However, the solution should not always be absorbed, sometimes the enema ends with bowel movement. Most often, enemas are prescribed for treatment of inflammation of the mucosa of the rectum or sigmoid colon or intestinal dysbiosis. Rarely, they are used not for topical treatment, but for systemic, for example, with epileptic status or with hyperthermia. A side effect of therapeutic enemas is a violation of the intestinal microflora with frequent use.

Drip (nutritional) enema

This species is currently not used at all. In medical practice, it was widely used in the 19th - early 20th centuries for feeding seriously ill patients. The idea was that a weak glucose solution (5%) in a volume of up to one liter is slowly injected into the patient’s body through the anus using a dropper. In our time, this method is outdated, and intravenous and tube feeding have become its replacement.

Erotic

This type is used to obtain sexual or erotic pleasure from a situation associated with it (role-playing games related to medicine, all kinds of BDSM situations, etc.) or from the enema itself. The Indians of Peru had such a ritual in which during an intercourse a man was given an enema. She helped strengthen the erection and stimulation of the prostate gland.

Psychotropic (or alcoholic)

Most often it is a microclyster with a volume of 50-100 ml. With its help, various psychotropic substances are introduced into the body , mainly a 5-10% alcohol solution. Enema is quite popular among “advanced” modern youth, since alcohol is absorbed very quickly in the rectum and does not pass through the liver (where it is usually destroyed by oral ingestion), having a strong effect on the brain, followed by intoxication and euphoria. In some Asian countries, young people practice enemas from opium solution. Even in ancient Greece, enemas from mandrake wine were popular (mandrake root was placed in wine for several months).

However, this coin has a downside: there is a huge risk of overdose, a chemical burn of the rectal mucosa and its subsequent chronic inflammation, or simply mechanical damage.

Ritual

Sometimes enemas are part of any rituals or ceremonies, customs. For example, the rite of purification.

These types of enemas are still common among some peoples, in particular, those living in Africa, indigenous Indian tribes of South and North America, in some cults and religious sects. Moreover, only adults are not always involved in this, sometimes ritual enemas are also given to children.

Almost always, in this case, the enema solution contains psychotropic or narcotic substances, sometimes even aphrodisiacs. The following materials were used by the Indians from America as an enema solution: perfume vine, dope, cayenne pepper, brugmansia, agave wine, coca leaves and others.

In addition to the above, sometimes enemas have other goals. For example, sometimes in families that do not belong to religious or national minorities, children are given enemas to punish or to teach the child to empty at the right time. In this case, an enema is not necessarily given, sometimes the child is simply intimidated.

Also, this procedure is quite common among girls who are fond of diets, losing weight in general, fasting, some wellness or yoga practices.

By the volume of injected fluid, enemas can be divided into small, medium and siphon.

Microclyster

Enema small is usually used to inject any medications or psychotropic substances into the rectum. For staging, a small pear is used (a tool for carrying out the procedure). The volume of enemas does not exceed 10-100 ml.

Average

Usually it is a cleansing enema, the volume of the solution does not exceed 2 liters. The setting of a cleansing enema is used for constipation or before the diagnosis of the rectum or colon (X-ray or endoscopic examinations), in order to cleanse the colon.

Siphon

A synonym for siphon enema is intestinal lavage. The meaning of the procedure is to introduce a liquid with a volume of about 20 liters by repeatedly pouring and removing 1-2 liters. It is usually used to remove toxic substances from the body or to deeply cleanse the colon. Do not confuse this type of enema with hydrocolonotherapy. A siphon enema for a baby is clearly not suitable.

The composition of the injected solution distinguishes aqueous, medicinal, soap, glycerin, hypertonic, oily, acidic, soda and other enemas.

Water (simple enema)

A solution for an enema of this type consists simply of water. It is usually used for constipation, to cleanse the intestines before surgery, before childbirth.

Medicinal

The properties of a therapeutic enema have already been described. We add only that due to the high absorption rate of drugs by the intestinal mucosa, this type of enema is much more effective than oral administration of drugs. A solution for enemas are decoctions of herbs (for example, chamomile, nettle and others) or medications.

Before treatment enemas, a cleansing enema is usually required.

Soap and glycerin

Soap enemas are most often used for constipation, their goal is to stimulate the motility of the colon. Soap is often combined with glycerin, which is also a strong stimulant of peristalsis.

Glycerin enemas - consisting of pure glycerol or glycerol solution. In its pure form, it is used very rarely.

Hypertensive enema

These are enemas, in which a solution of sodium chloride or magnesium sulfate acts as a solution. They are mainly used for constipation or if the patient has contraindications for simple enemas (this happens when the water load is not undesirable, for example, with high blood pressure, intracranial, with edema or water retention).

Oil enema

These species contain vegetable or petroleum jelly (mineral) oil. An oil enema is most often used for constipation, and also often precedes a glycerin or soap enema (then it serves as a protection of the mucous membrane from irritation).

Sour

Nothing but an enema with the addition of vinegar or lemon juice. Contrary to the well-known stereotypes that acid corrodes the mucous membrane, on the contrary, this type of enema does not cause irritation and is much more useful than soap or glycerin types. An acidic enema enhances the motility of the colon, most often used for constipation. It can rarely be used for putrefactive dyspepsia to reduce pain.

Soda

A little potassium hydrogen carbonate (baking soda) is added to the solution of these enemas. Alkaline pH, normal for the intestines, helps reduce cramping and irritation. As well as an acidic enema, it is used to reduce irritation and pain with dyspepsia (only fermentation, in which the acidity of feces is increased).

Enema with hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide in the solution should be no more than 1%, otherwise there is a risk of a burn of the intestinal mucosa.

Hydrogen peroxide reacts to the organic matter of the colon and releases oxygen, which causes bloating. This enema is strictly contraindicated with even a slight suspicion of low strength of the walls of the colon, otherwise it will lead to its rupture.

It is usually used to stimulate peristalsis.

Enema Fire

This type is used when a peroxide enema is contraindicated. It was invented by the Russian surgeon Ognev, from which she has such a name. It irritates the intestines quite a lot, so you should not get involved in it. The Ognev enema solution consists of 20 ml of 3% hydrogen peroxide, a soap solution and pure glycerin.

It is used only for paresis of the colon or complete atony.

Oxygen

Instead of a solution with such an enema, oxygen is introduced into the colon in small portions (about 100 ml). All this happens with the help of a special device.

It is used to treat helminths, as they do not tolerate high oxygen content.

Tobacco enema

Nowadays it doesn’t apply. It was distributed in the XVIII-XIX centuries. Tobacco was injected into the rectum. Most often used to resuscitate drowned. It was believed that warming with tobacco smoke could restore breathing.

According to the temperature of the injected fluid, all types of enemas can be divided into cold, cool, warm and hot.

Cold

The temperature of the solution with such an enema varies from 0 to room temperature (but always below room temperature). It is a strong stimulator of peristalsis of the colon, perfectly reduces body temperature.

Recommended for use with paresis of the colon, atony, atonic constipation, as well as if absorption of the solution needs to be minimized. It is used for fecal intoxication, fecal blockages, in cases where a warm enema is contraindicated and can dissolve feces. It can also be a means to quickly reduce the temperature with hyperthermia, especially with infectious diseases or heat stroke.

It is highly not recommended for conventional constipation, cramping.

Cool

The solution for this enema has room temperature. And although such a temperature for the intestine is still too low, a cool enema is better tolerated by the body and less spasmogenic. Indications for use and contraindications are the same as for a cold enema.

Warm

This is an anal enema with a fluid having a body temperature or a couple of degrees warmer. The body is perceived as warm. It has a laxative and antispasmodic effect on the colon, however, cold or cool types of enemas are more suitable for stimulating intestinal motility.

It well dissolves feces, is well absorbed by the body. It does not affect body temperature. Recommended for cramping, statistical constipation, as well as in cases where cold or cold enemas are contraindicated.

As a solution for a warm enema, it is recommended to use herbal decoctions or medicines, since they are much better absorbed.

Hot

The temperature of the solution of such an enema varies between 40-45 degrees. But in no case should it be higher than 45 degrees, since such a temperature will provoke a burn of the intestinal mucosa! The body perceives such an enema as hot, but not scorching.

Most often used to warm the prostate in men.

Setting technique and recommended volumes

The technique of setting and the necessary devices vary depending on the type of enema and the place of its application. An enema at the doctor will obviously be different from what you did at home. Please be careful when setting enemas at home.! Enema in the hospital, under the supervision of specialists, is much safer. Now let's move on to the setting process.

Cleansing enemas have a large volume of solution. For them you will need:

- Esmarch's mug (a vessel containing up to two liters of liquid), usually it is already equipped with a rubber tube;

- special tip.

So, the patient needs to be laid on the left (or right, there is no difference) side, after which he should put his legs under him. The tip must be lubricated with petroleum jelly. After filling Esmarch’s mug with liquid, carefully insert the tip into the patient’s anus. Wait until all fluid enters the intestines, then gently pull out the tip. Now the patient should at least half an hour hold the liquid inside, and then empty. The procedure is completed. It must be understood that a cleansing enema for infants is not suitable, since the maximum volume of injected fluid should not exceed 15-30 ml.

Hypertensive, oil and other types of microclysters are placed without the help of Esmarch's mug. A small pear-shaped balloon with a tip or a Janet syringe will suffice. With their help, the solution is carefully injected inside.

If you still do not understand what an enema is done with, the photos below will definitely show the necessary devices.

All of the above types of enemas can be done at home.

Now let's find out what a siphon enema is. The price for it varies between 650 - 1000 rubles, depending on the clinic in which you conduct this procedure. At home, putting such an enema is not something that is not recommended, but simply impossible. It may be dangerous!

To carry out this procedure, you need:

- a small basin with water;

- a jug;

- a thick stomach tube;

- funnel.

Carefully lubricate the end of the gastric tube with petroleum jelly for about five centimeters and enter into the anus somewhere between 30-40 cm. Carefully fill the funnel with water, while keeping it at body level. Then lift it up. The funnel should be completely filled with water mixed with intestinal contents. Pour it into the basin and refill with clean water. This should be continued until you see more or less clean water in the funnel.

Now let's talk about the volume of enemas. Usually the volume of the enema does not exceed one liter, with the exception of the siphon enema. As you already understood, with an siphon enema, an unlimited amount of water is used, usually it is 2-3 liters, but it can be more. It all depends on the degree of intestinal slagging.

Medicinal and cleansing enemas contain about 1 liter of fluid, oil, hypertonic, soda and other - not more than 500 ml.

We described the process of setting enemas in adults. What about the kids?

Enema for children

The big problem with this procedure for the child is that it is just very difficult to persuade him. Try to explain to him that this is necessary and that this is for his own good.

If we are talking about babies, then there are more difficulties.

Firstly, the usual amount of enema is not suitable for him. Accordingly, you can put Esmarch's mug to the far corner. For infants, the enema volume should not exceed 30 ml. A two-year-old child can be given enemas with 100 ml of solution.

Secondly, let's talk about the solution. These should not be strong medicines. Ideal if it will be ordinary water. However, if the child has severe bowel problems, then a solution of sodium chloride will do. Sometimes you can put an oil enema using petroleum jelly, sunflower or olive oil. You can also use a little glycerin solution. One way or another, any liquid must be heated to 37 degrees. You can not put the child a cold or hot enema.

Before setting enemas, the baby must consult a doctor!

Types of enemas: table

Based on the foregoing, you can make a small table.

Do not forget that any anal enema can harm a person. It is not recommended to abuse them. Also, do not put enemas unnecessarily. Some girls who dream of losing weight often resort to this method, although in fact enemas do not produce any effect of weight loss. If you decide to lose weight and want to do this with enemas - it is better to carry out hydrocolonotherapy. This procedure is aimed at complete cleansing of the intestine, and an enema - only at its small part.

In any case, do not put enemas too often. If the problem persists after 2-3 procedures, consult a doctor. It is impossible to continue treatment with enemas yourself, and this will not give you anything at all. Take care of your health and do not abuse unnecessary procedures!