Talk to your doctor to learn if this is a good option for you. Over-the-counter supplemental fiber, such as Metamucil, is also available. A sharp increase in fiber can cause bloating and gas, per the Mayo Clinic, so aim to gradually increase the amount over a few weeks. A good starting point is to add more fruits and vegetables into your diet, as well as whole grains. Curtin says patients who are constipated should aim for 20 to 30 grams of daily fiber. Adding fiber to your diet increases the bulk of your stool, speeding up its passage through the digestive system. High-Fiber Diet “Generally, your doctor will first start by recommending dietary changes,” Curtin says.
Safer Options for Constipation Reliefīecause of the possible side effects of enemas, it’s usually only advised as a last-resort option to treat constipation.īefore considering an enema, make sure you’ve tried the following options: It’s best to consult your healthcare provider before using an enema and to exhaust all other ways of treating constipation first. If you have any questions about the safety of enemas, talk to your doctor. People with colorectal cancer, an enlarged distended colon which may be more prone to perforation, and people who have active inflammatory bowel disease should avoid using enemas, Pothuri says. Long-term use of enemas can lead to electrolyte imbalances, which can cause uncomfortable symptoms like fatigue, headache, muscle cramping, nausea and vomiting, per the Cleveland Clinic. One study notes that perforation, hyperphosphatemia (a condition characterized by too much phosphate in the blood), and sepsis following enema use may cause death in up to 4 percent of cases. If an enema is not sterile, it can put you at risk of an infection, including sepsis, Dr. Generally, you should avoid using enemas regularly unless instructed to by your doctor.”Įnemas that are administered incorrectly can damage the tissue in the large intestine and cause bowel perforation, research such as a case report published in 2020 in SAGE Open, has shown.
“Too much enema use can lead to anorectal pain disorders. “Like any other medication, enemas can be abused,” Curtin says. While enemas can be a useful tool for treating severe constipation, they do come with some risks and are not meant for frequent use. “It’s important to make sure you hold onto the enema until the urge to defecate is strong,” Curtin says. Try to hold the enema in for at least five minutes to achieve maximum benefit.
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“The oil-based enemas are fairly messy and I typically avoid those.” How to Administer an Enema “While phosphorus-based enemas are traditionally considered the most potent, I find that any enema can be effective if done correctly,” Dr. There are several types of enemas, including tap water, sodium phosphate (such as Fleet enemas), saline, glycerin, soap suds, and mineral oils. Posner Institute for Digestive Health and Liver Disease at Mercy in Baltimore. This helps soften and break up the stool, says Bryan Curtin, MD, a gastroenterologist and director of the Center for Neurogastroenterology and GI Motility at the Melissa L. Treating constipation with an enema involves introducing fluid into the intestines via the rectum. The Back Story: How Does an Enema Treat Constipation? Today, better and safer treatment options, including laxatives, suppositories, and a high-fiber diet, mean enemas are typically recommended as a last resort for constipation because of possible side effects. However, this advice is a load of nonsense, and the regular use of enemas can actually be dangerous. In recent years, some celebrities have touted enemas as a way to “flush out” the digestive system and detoxify the body. Historically, the use of enemas makes sense, developing before the invention of oral and intravenous medication, notes the Canadian Society of Intestinal research. Having been used for thousands of years, enemas are one of the oldest methods of getting the bowels moving again if you’re suffering from constipation.
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