An enema is the introduction of liquid into the large intestine of the body, through the anus, in order to remove the stool from the bowels. It could be prescribed for health conditions like preparing for a surgery or a medical test. At times, enemas are also used as a home treatment for constipation.
An enema can be used and administered by anyone. However, it has been found that an incorrectly administered enema can cause a lot of trouble and side effects.
It is very important to ensure that an enema should never be shared by anyone, even the members of your family. If different people do share an enema, many ill-effects are likely to occur. Sharing of the bags can lead to passing of germs, which could lead to the spreading of illnesses and diseases. Cleaning the equipment of the enema thoroughly is just as important. Most enema bags have traces of feces in it. If it is not removed properly, it could result in infections and the development of bacterial cultures.
If the enema bag is not dried properly, it could lead to the development of cracks and mildew in the bag, which can contaminate the water in the bag, when it is next used. If the water used while administering an enema is too hot or too cold, it can damage the colon. This is very serious as it could even result in the death of the patient. Even if too much water is introduced into the colon, it could harm the colon and the patient’s health.
Some enemas have also been known to cause cramps and bowel irritations. In fact, after an enema, using soap and water can be dangerous, depending on the type of soap. Using a deodorant soap can lead to some major problems and even gangrene. The frequent use of an enema can lead to dependency, where the patient may not be able to pass stools, without using one. Excessive use of the enema can cause side effects like a fluid overload and reduced muscle tone in the anal sphincter.
Some of the other effects that can be caused by using an enema are - rectal irritation, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
After using an enema, please contact your doctor immediately if you experience symptoms such as rectal bleeding, fainting, weakness, sweating, dizziness, a skin rash, unrelieved constipation or a rapid heart rate.