An enema is a remedy that people use to flush the contents of the bowel out of their bodies. An enema takes a few minutes to begin working, but a person stays near a toilet for about one hour.
In this topic, we discuss how long it takes for an enema to work and how to use one.
I have already shared a post related to this topic Do Doctors Recommend Enemas? I hope you read this post.
Table of Contents
What is an enema?
People use an enema before called a clyster to treat many conditions.
A person varies the fluid they inject, the volume of the contents, or the holding period, depending on the reason for the enema.
Doctors prescribe an enema to clear the lower half of the bowel before a diagnostic test or for other medical purposes.
Many people use an enema regularly because they believe it allows public health benefits through detoxification.
According to the Research, medicinal uses include:
- Administering medication for ulcerative colitis
- Treating constipation or other bowel conditions
Some people recommend that using an enema reduce the time toxins spend in the colon and boost health, as a result. Others believe enemas play a role in treating conditions such as cancer.
Here are a few articles to check out:
Do Doctors Recommend Enemas?
Several doctors recommend an enema for severe constipation when other treatments, such as dietary changes, have not worked. You might need a barium enema if you have belly pain, diarrhea, constipation, or rectal bleeding.
To learn more, you can read: Constipation Cure
How long does it take to work?
If people choose to use an enema at home, they should set aside enough time to avoid rushing the process.
You shouldn’t eat for at least 30 minutes before starting the process.
After adding the fluid, the person should lie on their back and hold it in for as long as possible. However, they will be unable to keep their bowels closed for 5 minutes.
Regardless of how the enema works, the person should stay near the bathroom if they need to pass the contents of their bowels for the remainder of the hour.
Types of enema
Many different fluids can go into an enema. Some types of enema include:
Barium
A healthcare expert performs a barium enema if they want to see the outline of the large intestine.
This enema uses a solution that holds barium, which coats the inner wall and helps show the digestive tract’s shape on an X-ray.
Salt solution
If people use an enema for constipation, they will also use salt solutions.
Sodium phosphate draws water into the bowel, softening the stool, making it easier to pass.
Soap sud
Soap sud enemas can treat constipation.
They include a mixture of water and castile soap, which is a vegetable oil-based soap.
Mineral oil
Mineral oil enemas heal constipation.
A person tries to hold in the enema for 5 minutes.
How to use one
An enema is available to use at a clinic, but several people use them at home.
There is a sequence of steps to follow for home use:
- Before starting the enema, warm the enema in a bowl of hot water.
- Remove that lid from the enema nozzle, holding the bottle vertically to stop spillage.
- If it is preferred, you can put lubricating jelly in the nozzle.
- Then lie down sideways on a towel with knees pulled to your chest.
- Insert the nozzle roughly 7 centimeters into the anus and slowly squeeze the bottle to inject the contents.
- Remove from the anus and lie down low, with your back on the ground.
- Try to hold the bowels closed for as long as possible to maintain the fluid.
- When your bowels start opening, go to the bathroom. If nothing happens the first time, don’t worry at all.
- Wait near the bathroom for 1 hour, in case there is a necessity to pass feces again.
- Lie down if feeling dizzy. After 1 hour, the results of the enema should have worn off.
Are enemas safe?
Enemas are safe and easy to use, providing a person administers them perfectly, using sterile equipment.
if people administer an enema wrongly, there may be a risk of :
- Bloating
- Infections
- Bowel perforation
- Inflammation
- Cramping
- Electrolyte imbalances
Before a person uses enemas, they consult with the professional and follow written instructions carefully.
You must read this article: Upper Abdomen Bloating
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Is an enema necessary?
An enema helps to treat several health issues, and they are a necessary step for unusual medical procedures. However, regular use causes long-term problems, and a person should regularly follow expert advice when using an enema. In addition, the bowel is delicate, and a person should take care when using an enema.
Who should not use one?
Advice changes according to the contents of an enema, but people should avoid using an enema if they have heart or kidney conditions.
Older people do have greater risks of unfavorable effects and should avoid using enemas unless necessary.
I recommend you to read following posts that will help you: Where Is Kidney Pain Located
When to see a doctor?
There are risks with the use of enemas at home.
If problems arise, it is important to see a doctor immediately before the complications worsen.
Side effects can include:
- Stomach cramps
- Feeling faint
- Dizziness
- Bloating
More severe side effects can include:
- Infection
- Dehydration
- Bowel perforation
- Electrolyte imbalance
Some of these complications can be life-threatening. For example, if a person is feeling rectal bleeding, they should ask help at once.
Frequently Asked Question
Are water enemas safe during pregnancy?
MICROLAX Enema has been established as a laxative for pregnant women and is well accepted, even by children under three years old. It takes effect locally in the rectum, so there is no fear of it affecting your unborn baby.
How long after enema can you take food?
Use the enema about one hour before you leave home for the test. Do not eat for at least 30 minutes before using the enema. Do not eat after using it. You will be able to eat straight after the test.
How many enemas can you do in a week?
Bananas are a famous fruit with many potential health benefits. Thanks to their fiber and antioxidant contents, they may boost your digestion and heart health. In addition, they may support weight loss because they’re relatively low in calories, nutrient-dense, and filling.
Will an enema help with gas pain?
Having the right number and balance of microorganisms in your colon can help to reduce the rash, improve the absorption of nutrients, and prevent digestive issues, such as gas and bloating. An enema is a procedure that involves injecting a solution into your rectum to help stimulate a bowel movement.
Conclusion
An enema is one device that people use to clear the lower half of the large bowel. It includes fluid that goes into the colon and expels wastes after a short period of retention.
There are many purposes for enemas, ranging from preparing for a medical examination to regular detoxification.
Anyone thinking of using an enema at home should speak with the doctor first to ensure it is safe.
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