Consequences of overusing enema in patients with constipation

This is an automatically translated article.

Enemas are now no stranger to patients, especially constipated patients, to temporarily treat symptoms of difficulty in defecation. While the purchase and use of an enema in patients rarely requires a doctor's visit, overuse of enema can lead to a number of negative consequences for the treatment process.

1. What is an enema?

An enema or laxative is a drug with the main function to increase bowel movements for a period of 8-12 hours, thereby promoting the body to eliminate stools, softening stools and finally temporarily relieving constipation. time. Thanks to the mechanism of action on the colon, the use of an enema will help the human body eliminate the accumulated substances in the intestinal tract quickly.
Enemas are most often used to treat constipation in patients with typical symptoms such as:
Going to the bathroom less than 3 times a week Abdominal pain or bloating Difficulty passing stools, hard and dry stools hurt the anus

Thuốc xổ là thuốc với chức năng chính nhằm gia tăng nhu động ruột trong một khoảng thời gian
Thuốc xổ là thuốc với chức năng chính nhằm gia tăng nhu động ruột trong một khoảng thời gian

2. What types of enema are there?

There are currently 5 main types of enema on the market:
Osmotic laxatives: are often indicated to clear the intestinal tract before medical procedures such as colonoscopy or chronic constipation. The drug will increase the osmotic pressure to help pull water into the intestinal tract to soften the stool, then flush the stool out of the intestinal tract. Contraindicated in patients with ulcerative colitis, intestinal obstruction, heart failure and dehydration Fiber and mucilage drugs: help increase stool volume and water permeability, contraindicated in patients with mechanical intestinal obstruction and duodenal ulcer . Stool softener and softener: helps stool not be blocked in the intestinal wall and is easily excreted expulsion of stool Locally acting laxative: stimulates defecation reflex, performed in preparation for colonoscopy or for long-standing constipation

3. Consequences of abusing enema

Although effective in treating constipation, if used too much, it can lead to some side effects such as:
Diarrhea, loose stools Affecting the intestinal tract, making the intestines weak Using a lot can cause the body to lose water due to defecation and fall into a state of fatigue. Pregnant women absolutely should not use enema because it increases the risk of miscarriage or affects the fetus. The use of an enema in nursing mothers can also cause diarrhea in the child. Drug interactions may occur in the enema with some cardiovascular drugs or antibiotics, therefore, when the patient is receiving medical treatment. If you want to use laxatives, you need to consult a doctor.

Lạm dụng thuốc nhuận tràng dẫn đến tình trạng táo bón càng trầm trọng hơn
Lạm dụng thuốc nhuận tràng dẫn đến tình trạng táo bón càng trầm trọng hơn

4. How to use enema properly?

Patients using prescription drugs need to pay attention to some of the following characteristics: Use time should not exceed 7-10 days to avoid diarrhea. Do not abuse drugs, should pay attention to change diet and rest. to build a healthy digestive system Do not chew the medicine because it can affect the stomach Drink a lot of water during the use of the drug to limit the loss of electrolytes due to defecation. medical facilities for proper examination and treatment. Vinmec International General Hospital is one of the hospitals that not only ensures professional quality with a team of doctors, medical equipment, and technology. modern but also outstanding with comprehensive and professional medical examination, consultation and treatment services; civilized, polite, safe and sterile medical examination and treatment space.

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