Among all medical procedures, an enema more often than others became a topic for jokes. Perhaps that is why many have a rather skeptical attitude towards her, as to something shameful. Anyway, each of us will be forced to resort to such a procedure at least once in a lifetime. So it will be useful to learn how to do an enema at home. Let’s try to master this wisdom.
What is an enema?
This word simultaneously means 2 concepts at once.
First of all, the so-called medical procedure. Its essence is the introduction of various fluids into the rectum or colon through the anus, or, as doctors say: rectally.
Also, this term refers to various tools for such manipulations. In the old days they were called "klystirs."
Why is this procedure done?
Although there are many goals for using enemas, they can all be divided into 2 broad categories:
The first variety includes cases of bowel cleansing from feces. Most often these are constipation, preparation for operations, childbirth, medical procedures and the like.
The second variety differs in the composition of the injected liquid. As you know, the intestinal walls are very sensitive and are able to quickly absorb various healing substances. This property of them was discovered in ancient times and has since been actively used in medicine. This category has several subcategories.
- Directly healing enemas.
- Nutritious or preventative.
What devices are used for an enema?
To carry out such a procedure, there are 3 types of tools.
- Rubber bulb. Such a device is of different capacities. The length of the tips and the material from which they are made (plastic and rubber) also differ.
- Esmarch's irrigator. This tool is well known to anyone who knows how to do an enema. It consists of a plastic / rubber / iron liquid reservoir (1-2 l) with a flexible tube (1.5 m), a clamp and a removable tip. Esmarch's mug can be single and reusable. Sometimes a removable combination heating pad is used as a reservoir.
- Disposable enemas. These are small plastic bottles sold with ready-made liquids. In domestic spaces, they are not very common, but in the US they are actively used by residents instead of rubber pears or Esmarch mugs, which, by the way, most Americans know nothing about.
What fluids can be used for enema
The most common substance for rectal bowel lavage is water. The cleaner it is, the better. Experts advise taking boiled or at least filtered water. It is permissible to use mineral, but without gas.
As for temperature, for an ordinary enema, it is best to warm it to 37 degrees - that is, H 2 O should be slightly warmer than body temperature. The fact is that when using the Esmarch mug, the liquid will cool slightly while passing through a flexible tube.
Warm water at this temperature relaxes the colon, cleanses and dissolves feces better, has an antispasmodic effect and is absorbed faster.
The maximum water temperature for an enema is +45 ° C. Such procedures are usually used only as a means of treating prostatitis in men.
Minimum low temperature of 2 - 0 ° . Manipulations are from zero to room temperature and are usually carried out to urgently cool the entire body and, if necessary, prevent the absorption of fluids and toxins.
In addition to purified water, apply:
- medicinal infusions (chamomile or calendula, etc.);
- solutions of sodium chloride or magnesia (to lower intracranial pressure);
- glycerin or mixtures thereof with water;
- soap solutions;
- natural and synthetic oils (for lubricating the intestines before other procedures and with especially persistent constipation);
- water with the addition of soda or vinegar (lemon juice) - to shift the pH of feces to the alkaline or acidic sides.
Indications for use
Today, enema is positioned almost as a cure for all diseases in the world, a means for rejuvenation and a procedure without which the body cannot fully work itself.
Many beauty salons among the list of their services offer various healing and detox enemas. And many fashionistas do this procedure with the same frequency as masks to preserve beauty.
Make no mistake: an enema is not a panacea, despite its effectiveness. Our body is designed in such a way that if it is healthy, then it is able to get rid of toxins. Therefore, doing this instead of him without urgent need, you grossly interfere in his work, violating it.
In addition, frequent enemas affect the intestinal microflora, destroying it. And as for this procedure as a means for losing weight, it is a myth. To lose / not to gain extra pounds will help a balanced diet, regular exercise and hormonal control.
As for enemas, although this is a simple and seemingly harmless procedure, before deciding on it, you should consult a doctor. Especially in the case of children. Ideally, the doctor based on the results of the analysis should choose the appropriate composition and its volume.
If you need a whole course of enemas, it is advisable to take tests before and after passing it. This will allow you to monitor the situation, as well as evaluate the effectiveness / inefficiency of the procedures.
Indication for an urgent enema may be constipation. But if there is an opportunity, it is worth discussing the dosage with a specialist at least online or by phone.
As for home-grown experts from the Internet and young women on benches at the entrance, thoughtlessly following their advice, you risk harming your health.
Contraindications
Before you figure out how to properly do an enema at home, you should pay attention to cases where this procedure is contraindicated:
- Allergy.
- Inflammation of the large intestine.
- Hemorrhoids and cracks.
- Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Renal failure.
How to do an enema to cleanse the intestines with Esmarch's mug
Before starting the procedure, prepare everything you may need. This is not only an enema and an injected solution of the right temperature, but also fasteners for it, oilcloth, disposable gloves and petroleum jelly or other mineral oil. If you are dealing with a bed patient, prepare a vessel.
Before starting the procedure, the tip of the enema should be sanitized or boiled. Ideally, each member of the family using the Esmarch mug should have their own copy of the tip. Or you can buy a disposable option at the pharmacy.
So, how to do an enema to cleanse the intestines?
- Esmarch’s mug is being prepared first. 1-2 liters of liquid of the right temperature are poured into it. The tip is smeared with petroleum jelly. Further, this tool is suspended at a height of 1.5 m above the floor. To do this, you can use a conventional hanger or hook a mug on the doors of the mezzanines. The next step is to open the faucet and release excess air. When the water has gone, the pipe is blocked. Now the tool is ready. It's time to deal with the patient.
- Oilcloth is placed on the couch / bed. On its edge on the left side lies the "client". His buttocks bulge a little back, and his knees are slightly bent and pressed against his stomach. A bowl should be placed under the edge of the bed / couch in case of leakage.
- The next step is the most responsible. Before making it, it is better to wear disposable gloves. The buttocks are carefully pushed apart with one hand, and the tip of the Esmarch's cup is carefully inserted into the anus with the other. This is done in movements reminiscent of screwing. It is necessary to put the tip in just a couple of centimeters before it rests against the fecal masses or intestinal wall. Now you can carefully open the tap and release the liquid.
- In the process of performing this procedure, the patient may have a specific sensation and desire to go to the toilet. If such urges appear, it is worth taking a few deep breaths, which will help to restrain. As soon as Esmarch’s mug is empty, the faucet overlaps so that the intestines are not filled with air. Now the tip is carefully removed and time is allowed to lie down.
- As soon as unbearable urges appear to be empty, it is time to run to the "white friend" and use it for its intended purpose. In the case of a lying “client”, he is turned over on his back and a vessel is placed under him.
- If the constipation was prolonged, and a lot of feces accumulated in the intestine, a procedure may be repeated. However, between the first and second break should be at least an hour.
- Learning how to do an enema, do not forget about the final stage - cleaning. After use, Esmarch’s bowl should be disassembled and washed with soap and the tip should be sterilized.
How to make an enema pear
A similar procedure is similar to that described above. The difference is only in the smaller volume of injected fluid. Typically, this tool is used to treat or treat constipation. While for a full cleaning of the intestines, the volume of the pear will not be enough.
The main difference when using this tool is its care. So, sterilize in boiling water all the rubber bulb.
The rest is a standard algorithm.
- Tool preparation.
- Filling it with a solution.
- Arrangement of a place for the patient.
- Accepting a suitable position.
- Insertion of the pear tip into the anus.
- Fluid filling.
- Tool extraction.
- The state of rest is 10-15 minutes.
- Access to the toilet.
Features of the procedure in children
Toddlers are a special category in this matter. Enema is done only as a last resort and only on the recommendation of a doctor. The fact is that the crumbs have a very delicate intestine, it is easy to damage it. In addition, with an enema, beneficial bacteria are washed out of it and this contributes to the development of dysbiosis.
As a rule, such manipulation is recommended for constipation. But if everything is not so critical, it is better to try to put a glycerin candle.
In rare cases, it is prescribed as a means of detoxification in case of poisoning, infection, acetonemic syndrome, or as a way to locally deliver drugs to the intestines to relieve inflammation.
To understand how to properly do an enema for a child, it is worth knowing some distinctive nuances. The rest of the procedure is identical to that used for adults.
Kids do this manipulation with a rubber bulb. It is very important to choose the right dosage.
- Up to 6 months - 60-70 ml.
- From six months to a year - 120 ml.
- 1-2 years - up to 200 ml.
- 5-9 years - up to 320 ml.
- From 10 years - 0.5 liters.
- From the age of 13, you can use the Esmarch bowl.
Breasts in the process of performing the procedure raise their legs so that they do not accidentally release water back ahead of time. For older and more conscious children, you can use the traditional recumbent pose on the side.
After an enema, the child needs to lie about half an hour and only then go to the potty.
Do not forget: no matter what mothers, grandmothers, neighbors advise you, an enema is done to a child only by agreement with a doctor!
Is it possible to make enemas yourself without outside help?
Sure you may! This procedure is similar to that described above. However, there are differences. First is the pose. You will have to stand on all fours, like a dog, and raise the fifth point as high as possible. Then, the tip of the Esmarch’s bowl joins the cherished place and the tap opens.
In this position, the procedure can cause pain. If they appear, turn off the tap and gently massage your stomach in a clockwise direction. When the "unrest" subsides, you can continue.
When all the water has entered, the tip of the instrument is carefully removed and the anus is “closed” with the help of a daily lining or a tightly twisted cotton swab.
After 10-15 minutes you can "uncork" and go on a date with a "white friend".
As another option for how to properly do an enema for yourself, you can use the traditional lying position on the side. By the way, to facilitate such a procedure, there are devices with a ready-made drug.
Disposable Enema
In conclusion, we will consider how to properly make an enema from a pharmacy drug. A similar option is a lifesaver in an emergency. In addition, it is great for independent use.
Disposable drugs are prescribed for constipation, as well as for cleaning before medical research.
How to do an enema before such procedures? There are no special differences. You need to act all according to the same algorithm.
- Prepare yourself, wash your hands.
- Lie on your left side or take another comfortable posture for enema.
- Remove the cap and carefully insert the tip of the tube into the anus.
- Click on the bottle and inject its contents.
- Remove the tip from the anus and lie on your back or side until the urge to defecate.