Enema which side

A barium enema can help check for bowel or colon cancer. One enema empties the bowel, and another puts liquid barium into the rectum. This shows up on an X-ray to give clear images of the bowels. After the procedure, the barium passes from the body in a bowel movement. An enema can help treat severe constipation. There are two main types of enema for constipation. The first lubricates the bowels to help stool pass quickly. The second is a retention enema, which stays in the body for longer.

A retention enema is usually oil-based, and it soaks the stool to ease its passage from the body. Regular use of enemas to treat constipation can cause health problems. A more lasting way to resolve constipation is with diet and lifestyle changes. Drinking enough water and including plenty of fiber in the diet can keep bowel movements healthy and regular. People can administer medication using an enema. This can especially help with treating health problems affecting the colon, such as inflammatory bowel disease.

In some cases, an enema can deliver other types of medication. This is because the network of blood vessels in the rectum can transport medicine quickly to other parts of the body. An enema can help treat certain health issues and they are a necessary step for some medical procedures. However, regular use can cause long-term problems, and a person should always follow professional advice when using an enema. The bowel is delicate, and a person should take care when using an enema.

Bacteria can upset the balance of the gut and cause infection, and it is possible to injure the rectum. Follow the instructions carefully, and make sure to be gentle. The evidence in this article is no longer current.

Click here to see an updated and expanded article. The administration of an enema not only requires skill and competence on behalf of the practitioner but also requires compliance with the NMC guidelines on the administration of medicines and local drug administration policy. There are two different types of enema for bowel evacuation, although they are very similar.

Some enemas are given to produce an immediate effect, which is to lubricate, thus facilitating the passage of faeces. The administration of a fluid into the rectum may also induce peristaltic contraction of the rectal walls.

Retention enemas, while producing the same effects, are intended to remain in the rectum for a longer period of time penetrating and thus lubricating the faeces further. Retention enemas tend to be oil based. Medicines can be administered rectally in enema form. In most cases, the enema nozzle beneath this tip is lubricated with petrolatum. Next, insert the nozzle into the rectum with gentle pressure while the tip is pointing toward the navel. Should insertion cause pain, the procedure should be halted.

Also, if insertion is difficult, the enema should not be given. When the nozzle is comfortably and fully inserted, the patient should begin to empty the enema container. Better results are obtained if most of the solution is given. To best accomplish this, the bottle can be squeezed from the bottom to the top, being rolled up like a toothpaste tube.

This minimizes the medication in the lower part of the container. To use an enema, it's necessary to be able to reach behind oneself, so for those who have limited range of motion in the shoulders or the arms or have a loss of feeling in the fingers or hands, assistance may be needed.

You should also pay attention to how much fluid is introduced into the rectum. If too much is added, it can pass beyond the rectum and go further up into the colon than anticipated.

In some cases, the water may only be released 30 minutes or more after you have already dressed and are in public. Moreover, the abnormal distention of the colon or rectum can lead to bowel perforation , a condition that may not be immediately noticed until more serious symptoms appear. Also, avoid placing overly warm fluids into the rectum. While some people find this soothing, your intestines are unaccustomed to anything other than the normal body temperature.

The same applies to icy cold liquids to which the intestines may respond by contracting and expelling the fluid immediately. An enema is not intended for the ongoing treatment of constipation. Doing so can introduce harmful bacteria into the intestines.

If there are hard fecal stones, the sudden rush of fluid and fecal matter from the bowels can cause rectal tears. Contraindications for an enema include a rectal obstruction by a tumor, rectal prolapse , acute coronary syndrome , or any condition in which the immune system is compromised such as advanced HIV or cancer chemotherapy. To use an enema, things needed include the enema kit, towels, and a place to lie down. It's also good to have a clear schedule for several hours after the enema to ensure there isn't any stress about having to leave the house for work or school.

Always use an enema kit that was recommended by a healthcare provider, and call your healthcare provider if you cannot complete an enema or there is severe discomfort or pain. Home preparations or enemas that include substances like coffee or alcohol are not safe and should be avoided. An enema is the usage of a handheld device that sends liquid often mineral oil through the anus which travels to the large intestine.

It is used in preparation for certain types of procedures, such as a colonoscopy. Yes, an enema can be used to treat constipation. More safe ways of treating constipation include adding fiber to your diet, drinking more water, and engaging in regular exercise.