Enemas Health Article

Aftercare

If necessary, a specimen will be collected for diagnostic evaluation. If the enema was given to alleviate constipation, the better approach to combatting constipation in the future is with a high fiber diet (five to six servings of whole grain foods) and adequate fluid intake (seven to eight glasses of water per day). Regular exercise and going to the bathroom when necessary will also help. If constipation is a chronic problem, medical help should be consulted to determine if there is underlying disorder.

Risks

Habitual use of enemas as a means to combat constipation can make the problem even more severe when their use is discontinued. Enemas should be used only as a last resort for treatment of constipation and with a doctor's recommendation. Enemas should not be administered to individuals who have recently had colon or rectal surgery, a heart attack, or who suffer from an unknown abdominal condition or an irregular heartbeat.

OTHER

Eller, D. "Spring Cleaning from the Inside Out." Remedy May/June 1997. 28 May 1998 <http://thriveonline.oxygen.com>.

Weiss, R. "Enhancing the process of elimination." Washington Post Health. 29 Nov. 1994. 28 May 1998 <http://thriveonline.oxygen.com>.

Kathleen D. Wright, RN

KEY TERMS

Electrolyte—A substance that conducts electric current within the body and is essential for sustaining life.

Intestine—Also called the bowels and divided into large and small intestine, they extend from the stomach to the anus, where waste products exit the body. The small intestine is about 20 ft (6.1 m) long and the large intestine, about 5 ft (1.5 m) long.

Rectum—The portion of bowel just before the anus. The prefix recto is used with a variety of words in relation to conditions that affect the rectum.