A 31-year-old member asked:
what are oil enemas used for?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Arthur Heller answered
Gastroenterology 43 years experience
Lubrication : Enemas are sometimes used to treat constipation, or hard stools. Oil retention enemas serve to lubricate the stool and area, help passage. Sometimes used ad preliminary enema before tap water or saline type (phosphate) enemas. Do not use soap suds enema-very irritating, can cause colitis (inflammation), .
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Similar questions
A 44-year-old member asked:
What are enemas?
4 doctor answers • 7 doctors weighed in
Dr. Arthur Heller answered
Gastroenterology 43 years experience
Fluid into colon: A method of introducing fluid into the rectum via anus; can be water, salt solutions, oil for retention; do not use soap suds. Typical use is to treat constipation; can cause distension, discomfort, and stimulates bowel evacuation.
Rare use to instill meds.
"alternative" med use to "detoxify": unproven for this purpose; fda issued warning letters about it.
6122 views
A 46-year-old member asked:
Does the enema detox really work?
2 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in
Dr. Jonathan Leibowitz answered
Internal Medicine 28 years experience
Maybe: Well u will be clean and clearly wo some toxic stuff - but will it make u superman? Doubt it - just a good spring cleaning.
5958 views
A 32-year-old member asked:
Should people buy and use enemas while traveling in other countries?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Stephen Scholand answered
Infectious Disease 23 years experience
Staying hydrated: while traveling could mean u can forget about those enemas entirely. It's quite common to become dehydrated and therefore at risk for being constipated while traveling. Try to drink alot of water, eat fruits/veggies with fiber, & try to move around to keep the body as regular as possible. Enemas are really the last resort of constipation treatment and hope u can find an easier way to deal with it.
3880 views
A 44-year-old member asked:
What is soap in soap suds enema?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Arthur Heller answered
Gastroenterology 43 years experience
Irritant. Don't use: Soap is soap. Soap suds enemas are highly irritating to the lining of the rectum and colon. Aside from causing a bowel movement can cause a whopping inflammation (colitis). Tap water enemas or store bought phosphate enemas are safer (check with md, especially if history of heart, kidney, liver trouble). Oil retention enemas are lubricant.
5742 views
A 42-year-old member asked:
Whats an enema?
1 doctor answer • 5 doctors weighed in
Dr. Jason Hemming answered
Gastroenterology 17 years experience
Rectal: Liquid (usually medication) introduced into the rectum. Most commonly used for constipation.
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Last updated Aug 12, 2013
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