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Is Enema Advisable For Severe Constipation?

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Posted on Thu, 10 Aug 2017
Question: what risk maybe associated with giving enema to a person unable to have bowel movement for several days?
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Answered by Dr. V. N. S. Parinam (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Safe enemas do not pose risk

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for the query.
Why was the enema given? Have you tried suppositories before full fledged enema?
Generally older people would have problem moving bowels as the are less XXXXXXX and the neural tracts are less responsive.
If there is just fecal impaction on examination, then simple digital removal of the impacted feces can relieve the discomfort in adults. In my opinion suppositories can be tried initially before enema in older adults. It is reasonable to give rectal enemas to those older adults suffering from constipation, fatigue, hard stools. However the safety depends on the material to use, the material is chosen after the reason for constipation is found.
Let me know if you have anything specific in your mind.
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. V. N. S. Parinam

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 1727 Questions

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Is Enema Advisable For Severe Constipation?

Brief Answer: Safe enemas do not pose risk Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for the query. Why was the enema given? Have you tried suppositories before full fledged enema? Generally older people would have problem moving bowels as the are less XXXXXXX and the neural tracts are less responsive. If there is just fecal impaction on examination, then simple digital removal of the impacted feces can relieve the discomfort in adults. In my opinion suppositories can be tried initially before enema in older adults. It is reasonable to give rectal enemas to those older adults suffering from constipation, fatigue, hard stools. However the safety depends on the material to use, the material is chosen after the reason for constipation is found. Let me know if you have anything specific in your mind.