Treatment of constipation: what is the difference between enemas and suppositories?

Enemas and suppositories have one common task - to relieve the symptoms of constipation or hemorrhoids. But they have different properties. What is the fundamental difference between enemas and suppositories and what it is worth to beware of when using them?

Difference between enemas and candles

When treating constipation, there is a noticeable difference between enemas and suppositories, although they are both used to relieve constipation. An enema is a vessel with a fluid that flows into the rectum using a tip attached to a bag of plastic or cloth. The fluid passes into the rectum using this device to relieve constipation or to prepare patients for surgery.

Suppositories (candles) - small solid or semi-solid bars of a certain type of medication. The most commonly used type of suppository is made from glycerin and is used to relieve constipation, although other medicines may also be suitable as suppositories.

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Common between enemas and candles

Both enemas and suppositories (suppositories) are rectally injected, as a rule, they are used to cleanse the rectum and sigmoid colon (part of the colon closer to the rectum) before surgery, after childbirth and before flexible sigmoidoscopy (a diagnostic method for constipation). Enemas and suppositories are used to relieve constipation and rectal fecal blockages (complex rectal blockages, compacted stools).

They can also be used in combination with oral laxatives to clean the colon in preparation for irrigoscopy (rectal examination method). Some suppositories contain stimulating laxatives.

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Laxative effect

In most cases, enemas and suppositories are used for very similar things and work in a very similar way. Both remedies, both suppositories and enemas, contain glycerin in order to be able to soften the stool or anal passage. Enema, as a rule, works more efficiently when cleaning the entire colon, as its contents continue to fall and contain more therapeutic agents at each use.

Suppositories also have a laxative effect, however, it is usually safer and can be used for a long period with fewer side effects. Glycerin, although it is solid, quickly melts inside the rectum and provides lubrication to the difficult to move.

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Consequences of misuse

It is important that patients do not use enemas and suppositories not in the direction of the doctor. Enema can cause damage to the colon if carried out too often. Suppositories are usually not absorbed by the body, but they cause rectal stimulation, and this can lead to problems in health.

If the rectal area is stimulated too often with suppositories, it can make stool difficult to move without additional stimulus. This can lead to dependence on suppositories and laxatives.

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Different uses

Both enemas and suppositories can be used for different purposes. The same type of device is used not only to relieve constipation, but also for women's douching or to perform vaginal rinses, to eliminate infections. Suppositories can contain various types of drugs and can be used to treat certain other diseases or conditions, especially nausea, when oral medications cannot be used.

If the symptoms of constipation persist or worsen, patients should stop using the medication and consult a doctor. In most cases, suppositories can not lead to negative symptoms, except for mild discomfort immediately after their insertion.

Enema can cause mild cramping abdominal pain and a strong desire to defecate. Treatment suppositories and enemas should be used if constipation is accompanied by severe abdominal pain, there is blood in the feces, nausea, vomiting, fever - but you should not do this without consulting your doctor.

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The composition of enemas and candles

Enemas and suppositories include docate (Microenema), bisacodyl (Dulcolax suppositories), and sodium phosphate (Flit enema). These ingredients are intended for occasional use and are not recommended as a chronic laxative regimen, unless used consistently on prescription.

Patients should carefully follow the instructions when using enemas. The man should lie on his left side with his knees bent. The end of the enema should be slowly inserted into the rectum. A person must maintain an enema in the rectum to a certain rectal pressure and until he feels the urge to defecate. Evacuation of fecal masses usually occurs within a time from several minutes to an hour.

Precautionary measures

Enema can cause irritation of the rectal area, and sometimes lead to rectal gangrene. Therefore, continuous use of the enema is not recommended.

Enema can cause a breakdown in the blood level of the fluid and electrolytes, if used on an ongoing basis.

For the safe and effective use of laxatives is necessary

• Follow your doctor's instructions if a laxative has been prescribed.
• Carefully examine the packaging of the manufacturer

For patients using enema or rectal laxatives:

• Read the instructions carefully before using this medication.
• Lubricate the anus with petroleum jelly before installing the enema applicator.
• Carefully insert the rectal tip of the enema applicator to prevent damage to the rectal wall.

Results can often be obtained with these medications.

1. Bisacodyl - enemas from 15 minutes to 1 hour.
2. Dokuzat - enemas from 2 to 15 minutes.
3. Glycerin - enemas in 15 minutes to 1 hour.
4. Mineral oil - enemas from 2 to 15 minutes.
5. Senna - enemas for 30 minutes, but can be used for some people for up to 2 hours.
6. Sodium phosphate - enema from 2 to 5 minutes.

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For patients using candles

If the suppository is too soft to insert into the anus, cool the suppository in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or let cold water over the candle before removing the foil wrap.

What you need to insert a candle

First remove the foil wrapper and moisten the suppository with cold water. Lie on your side and use your finger to press the suppository and straighten it into the rectum.

Results can often be obtained with these drugs:

1. candles with bisacodyl - from 15 minutes to 1 hour.
2. candles with carbon dioxide-releasing - from 5 to 30 minutes.
3. candles with glycerin - from 15 minutes to 1 hour.
4. Seine grass suppositories - for 30 minutes, but some can be used for up to 2 hours.

There are a large number of laxatives in the pharmaceutical market. Doses of laxatives will be different for different products. The number of enemas or the number of suppositories that you use depends on the advice of your doctor. Follow the instructions of the doctor if this medicine was prescribed for you, or follow the directions on the package if you buy this medicine without a prescription.

Storage

1. Keep suppositories and enemas should be out of the reach of children.
2. Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct sunlight. It is necessary to protect them from freezing.
3. Do not keep outdated suppositories or those that are no longer needed.
4. Be aware of all the recommendations of the doctor.

Precautionary measures

Do not use any type of laxative if you are using a suppository or enema if you have signs of appendicitis or inflammation of the intestine (for example, stomach pain or lower abdominal pain, cramps, bloating, nausea or vomiting). Instead, consult your doctor as soon as possible. More often than the doctor prescribed.

This can not be done, even if you did not get any result from a laxative if you do not need it, that is, "to clean your system," or as a "tonic, to feel better." if you miss a bowel movement for a day or two

If you notice a sudden change in the bowels or a dysfunction that lasts longer than 2 weeks, or the constipation is constantly returning, consult your doctor before using laxatives. This will not aggravate your problem before it becomes more serious.

"Laxative habits"

Laxative products are abused by many people. This practice is often found depending on the effect of the laxative to produce a bowel movement. In severe cases, the abuse of certain laxatives causes damage to the nerves, muscles and tissues of the intestines and colon. If you have any questions about the use of laxatives, consult your doctor.

For patients using enemas or other rectal forms of laxative:

Talk with your doctor if you notice rectal bleeding, blistering, pain, burning, itching, or other signs of irritation of the anus before you start using the medicine.

For patients using suppositories:

Do not lubricate the suppositories with mineral oil or petroleum jelly before inserting it into the rectum. This may affect the performance of the candles. Moisten only with water.

Enema, on the contrary, can be lubricated with petroleum jelly or oils.

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Side effects

Along with the effect necessary for treatment, the medicine may cause some undesirable effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, but if they do occur, you may need medical attention.

Consult a physician as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur.

Less common negative effects

Rectal bleeding, blistering, burning, itching, or pain (due to an enema)

There may be some side effects that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects can go away during treatment, because your body adapts to these methods of action - enemas or suppositories.

In addition, your doctor may tell you how to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Contact your health care provider if any of the following side effects continue or you have questions about them:

Irritation of the skin surrounding the rectal area

Other side effects not listed by us may also occur in some patients. If you notice these other effects, consult your health care provider. Consult your doctor for medical advice about your side effects when using suppositories and enemas.

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