The enema, enema or chuca, is a procedure that consists of placing a small tube through the anus, in which water or some other substance is introduced in order to wash the intestine, being usually indicated in cases of constipation, to relieve discomfort and facilitate stool exit.
Thus, the cleaning enema can be made at home in cases of constipation to stimulate the functioning of the intestine or in other cases, as long as there is a medical indication. This cleaning can also be recommended at the end of pregnancy, as pregnant women usually have a stuck intestine, or for exams, such as enema or opaque enema, which aims to assess the shape and function of the large intestine and the rectum. Understand how the opaque enema exam is done.
However, the enema should not be done more than once a week, as it can cause changes in the intestinal flora and cause changes in the intestinal transit, worsening constipation or leading to the appearance of chronic diarrhea.
How to make the enema correctly
To make a cleaning enema at home it is necessary to buy an enema kit at the pharmacy, which costs an average of R $ 60.00, and follow the following steps:
- Assemble the enema kit by connecting the tube to the water tank and the plastic tip; Fill the enema kit tank with 1 liter of filtered water at 37ºC; Open the tap of the enema kit and let a little water drain until the entire tube is filled with water; Hang the water tank at least 90 cm from the floor; Lubricate the plastic tip with petroleum jelly or some lubricant for the intimate area; Adopt one of these positions: lying on your side with your knees bent or lying on your back with your knees bent towards your chest; Gently insert the tip into the anus towards the navel, not forcing the insertion so as not to cause injury; Open the tap of the kit to allow water to enter the intestine; Maintain the position and wait until you feel a strong desire to evacuate, usually between 2 to 5 minutes; Repeat the cleaning enema 3 to 4 times to completely clean the intestine.
In cases where the person is unable to evacuate only with the warm water enema, a good solution is to mix 1 cup of olive oil in the enema water. However, the effectiveness is greater when using 1 or 2 pharmacy enemas, such as Microlax or Fleet enema, mixed in water. See more about how to use the Fleet enema.
Even so, if after mixing a pharmacy enema in the enema water the person still does not feel like having a bowel movement, it is recommended to consult a gastroenterologist to diagnose the problem and start the appropriate treatment. In addition, it is important to have a diet that favors bowel movement, that is, rich in fiber and fruits. Find out which are the fruits that release the intestine and also some options of laxative teas.
When to go to the doctor
It is recommended to consult a gastroenterologist or go to the emergency room when:
- There is no elimination of feces for more than 1 week; After mixing a pharmacy enema in the water and not feeling like having a bowel movement; Signs of severe constipation appear, such as very swollen belly or severe abdominal pain.
In these cases, the doctor will do diagnostic tests, such as MRI, to assess whether there is any problem that may be causing constant constipation, such as bowel twisting or hernias, for example.
