The purpose of enema

Suppository is a relatively common medicine. If severe constipation occurs, it can be treated with a suppository. It can open the anus quickly, promote defecation quickly, and have a significant stimulating effect on the intestinal wall. Generally, it can play a good therapeutic role for severe constipation. Of course, this kind of suppository should not be used frequently to avoid causing some side effects.

What is a enema?

Enema is a lubricant whose main ingredients are glycerin and other auxiliary drugs. In clinical practice, enema is usually used to stimulate the intestinal wall to induce a defecation reflex to assist defecation.

There are two common preparations of enema, one is glycerin preparation, and the other is mannitol and magnesium sulfate preparation. The two preparations have different ingredients, but the principles are basically the same. They both use the high concentration of glycerol or sorbitol, that is, the hyperosmotic effect, to soften the stool, stimulate the intestinal wall, and reflexively induce a defecation reaction. In addition, its lubricating effect can make the stool easier to excrete.

The use of enema

Generally speaking, enema is used when you feel like having a bowel movement, because it takes 5-10 minutes for the enema to take effect, and you will be able to defecate easily afterwards. But for more severe constipation, it takes longer to take effect, generally not more than 30 minutes. Therefore, patients should determine the time to use enema according to their specific circumstances.

Side effects of enema

Suppositories help defecation by stimulating the intestinal wall to induce a defecation reflex. If used frequently, the more times the rectum is stimulated, the less sensitive it becomes. Once people get used to the drug, they will no longer respond. This is especially true for patients with dry and small stools. Long-term reliance on sulets for defecation will make it more difficult. Enemas cause dryness of the intestinal wall, and frequent use can cause habitual constipation. There will also be dependencies.

It is important to note that using enema to treat constipation only treats the symptoms and not the root cause. Therefore, it can only be used as an emergency measure to temporarily relieve the pain of constipation. Frequent use will cause dependence. To prevent constipation fundamentally, it is best to develop good eating and living habits.