The accumulation of gases in the intestines, or flatulence, is often found in patients who are forced to stay in bed for a long time . The development of gas accumulation is often associated with diseases of the digestive system with impaired peristalsis: colitis, enterocolitis, as well as with cirrhosis and heart failure, as a result of increased blood pressure in the portal system. Flatulence is often associated with constipation and may be accompanied by pain in the intestines, which bring additional suffering to patients, and also enhances the manifestations of respiratory and heart failure.
As you know, to prevent any disease is easier than to treat it. Prevention of flatulence in adults is to limit the diet of carbohydrates, whole milk, dishes from cabbage and potatoes, brown bread, the inclusion in the diet of foods rich in pectins: table beets, carrots, prunes, baked apples.
For the treatment of bloating , various medications can be used, including Espumisan, Sorbex, activated charcoal. Many methods of treatment offer traditional medicine. Carbohydrates decoction has medicinal chamomile, peppermint, dill, fennel and some other medicinal herbs. Cleansing enemas help well , but this type of treatment cannot be used often, and it is also not always possible to complete them. In these cases, the use of a vent pipe is indicated.
The gas outlet pipe is a small soft thick-walled tube made of rubber. Its length is from 30 to 50 cm, and its diameter is 0.3-0.5 cm. One end of the gas outlet pipe is rounded and the other obliquely cut. Before use, the tube is boiled and the rounded end is lubricated with vaseline or any other vegetable oil.
How is a vent pipe used for adults?
The patient must be laid on his left side, and under the pelvis lay the oilcloth. Buttocks are bred with the fingers of the left hand and gradually, by rotational movements, introduce a gas outlet tube into the colon to a depth of 20-30 centimeters. The external obliquely cut end should protrude from the anus and be lowered into a vessel filled with water.
The vent tube may remain in the rectum until the gas escapes and the abdominal distention is reduced. During the day, to remove gases, the tube can be used up to 4-6 times, leaving in the intestine no more than two hours to prevent the formation of pressure sores. If the introduction of the tube is difficult due to the accumulation of feces, it is necessary to first put a cleansing enema, after which a gas tube can be used.
After removing the tube from the intestine, the anus is thoroughly wiped with a gauze cloth, and if there are signs of irritation, then the skin around the anus is smeared with petroleum jelly. After use, the tube is washed in warm water with soap and then sterilized by boiling for 20-30 minutes. After sterilization, it must be dried and stored in a clean, dry plastic bag or sterilized glass jar with a lid. In case of long-term storage, the tube must be disinfected by boiling before use. It should be remembered that the tube is an object of individual use, it can be used only for one patient.
The vent pipe can also be used in child care. The tube for children differs from the adult in smaller sizes. The technique and rules of use are no different from this procedure performed by adult patients. Optimally, if the introduction of the tube to the child is performed by a specialist. With careless administration, injury to the intestinal mucosa, bleeding, and even bowel perforation with the development of peritonitis are possible. Before using a gas outlet for children, you should know that its use is an extreme measure, possible only if there is no result from the use of other methods.