ENEMA ADMINISTRATION
An enema administration is a technique used to stimulate stool evacuation. It is a liquid treatment
most commonly used to relieve severe constipation. The process helps push waste out of the rectum
when you cannot do so on your own.
Other types of enemas are administered to clean out the colon and better detect colon cancer and
polyps. If you have concerns or worsening symptoms after an enema, ask a doctor right away.
What is an enema administration used for?
Constipation is a common gastrointestinal condition. It occurs when the colon is unable to remove
waste through the rectum. People with this condition have three or fewer bowel movements over a
seven-day period. Mild constipation often occurs when you don’t eat enough fibre or drink enough
water on a regular basis. Daily exercise also helps to prevent constipation.
Enemas may also be used before medical examinations of the colon. Your doctor may order an
enema prior to an X-ray of the colon to detect polyps so that they can get a clearer picture. This
procedure may also be done prior to a colonoscopy.
Types of enemas
There are two main types of enemas — cleansing and retention.
I. Cleansing enemas
Cleansing enemas are water-based and meant to be held in the rectum for a short time to flush your
colon. Once injected, they’re retained for a few minutes until your body rids itself of the fluid, along
with loose matter and impacted stool in your bowel.
Some of the most common cleansing enemas include
, Water or saline. The least irritating of all options, water or saline — salt water that mimics your
body’s sodium concentration — are used primarily for their ability to expand the colon and
mechanically promote defecation.
Epsom salt. This is similar to a water or saline enema, but magnesium-rich Epsom salt is said
to be more effective at relaxing bowel muscles and relieving constipation.
Sodium phosphate. This is a common over-the-counter enema that works by irritating your
rectum, causing it to expand and release waste.
Lemon juice. Lemon juice mixed with warm, filtered water is said to balance the pH of your
body while cleansing your colon.
Apple cider vinegar. Advocates say that mixing apple cider vinegar with warm, filtered water
can quickly clear the bowel and may have other antiviral healing effects on your digestive
system.
Soap suds. Adding castile soap, or another mild soap with minimal additives, to water mildly
irritates the bowel, which encourages the rapid excretion of stool.
II. Retention enemas
Retention enemas are designed to be held in your bowel for an extended period — usually a
minimum of 15 minutes — before being released. Retention enemas may be water- or oil-based,
which softens the stool and makes it easier for your body to expel.
Some of the most common retention enemas include
Coffee. Coffee enemas are a mixture of brewed, caffeinated coffee and water thought to promote bile
removal from the colon. They were popularized by Max Gerson, a physician who used them to help
treat people with cancer.
Mineral oil. This type of enema works primarily by lubricating waste inside of your colon,
sealing it with water, and promoting its removal.
An enema administration is a technique used to stimulate stool evacuation. It is a liquid treatment
most commonly used to relieve severe constipation. The process helps push waste out of the rectum
when you cannot do so on your own.
Other types of enemas are administered to clean out the colon and better detect colon cancer and
polyps. If you have concerns or worsening symptoms after an enema, ask a doctor right away.
What is an enema administration used for?
Constipation is a common gastrointestinal condition. It occurs when the colon is unable to remove
waste through the rectum. People with this condition have three or fewer bowel movements over a
seven-day period. Mild constipation often occurs when you don’t eat enough fibre or drink enough
water on a regular basis. Daily exercise also helps to prevent constipation.
Enemas may also be used before medical examinations of the colon. Your doctor may order an
enema prior to an X-ray of the colon to detect polyps so that they can get a clearer picture. This
procedure may also be done prior to a colonoscopy.
Types of enemas
There are two main types of enemas — cleansing and retention.
I. Cleansing enemas
Cleansing enemas are water-based and meant to be held in the rectum for a short time to flush your
colon. Once injected, they’re retained for a few minutes until your body rids itself of the fluid, along
with loose matter and impacted stool in your bowel.
Some of the most common cleansing enemas include
, Water or saline. The least irritating of all options, water or saline — salt water that mimics your
body’s sodium concentration — are used primarily for their ability to expand the colon and
mechanically promote defecation.
Epsom salt. This is similar to a water or saline enema, but magnesium-rich Epsom salt is said
to be more effective at relaxing bowel muscles and relieving constipation.
Sodium phosphate. This is a common over-the-counter enema that works by irritating your
rectum, causing it to expand and release waste.
Lemon juice. Lemon juice mixed with warm, filtered water is said to balance the pH of your
body while cleansing your colon.
Apple cider vinegar. Advocates say that mixing apple cider vinegar with warm, filtered water
can quickly clear the bowel and may have other antiviral healing effects on your digestive
system.
Soap suds. Adding castile soap, or another mild soap with minimal additives, to water mildly
irritates the bowel, which encourages the rapid excretion of stool.
II. Retention enemas
Retention enemas are designed to be held in your bowel for an extended period — usually a
minimum of 15 minutes — before being released. Retention enemas may be water- or oil-based,
which softens the stool and makes it easier for your body to expel.
Some of the most common retention enemas include
Coffee. Coffee enemas are a mixture of brewed, caffeinated coffee and water thought to promote bile
removal from the colon. They were popularized by Max Gerson, a physician who used them to help
treat people with cancer.
Mineral oil. This type of enema works primarily by lubricating waste inside of your colon,
sealing it with water, and promoting its removal.
