To give an enema means to inject a fluid into the rectum. An injection of warm (about 103 degrees Fahrenheit), pure (baking soda or salt may be added to make it isotonic) water into the rectum. The amount of water injected is planned to gently and painlessly fill the colon to capacity, which differs from individual to individual and should not be set prior to treating a patient. An enema is normally used to relieve constipation, and should be used as a last resort. Some people give an enema as a preventative measure, to cleanse toxins from the colon.

People are frequently too embarrassed with the idea of an enema to seriously discuss the procedure. An enema, though, is an excellent way to provide relief during periods of constipation, and, when correctly done, creates no pain. Once the solution has been removed from the body, the subject is completely cleansed of whatever blockage there might have been, allowing bowel cleansing to take place. In order to give an enema correctly, though, there are a variety of procedures that must be adhered to.

When giving someone an enema make sure you have all your equipment ready. The main item is the enema bag and the liquid being used. There are solutions available for sale or some people prefer to make their own. Once you have the solution ready the recipient should lie down flat and bend the right leg at the knee. This position offers the most comfort to the person and makes the enema easier to administer for you.

Next, the tube of the enema bag gets inserted into the anus. This might feel uncomfortable to some, so it's advisable to lubricate the tube before you insert it. After the tube has been placed into the opening of the anus, the enema solution should be slowing introduced into the colon. Deep breathing will help easy the anxiety t hat some people may experience.

The most common negative side effect during an enema is dull cramps. If the patient starts to experience cramping, it can be eased by slowing down the amount of enema solution that is going into the anus. After all of the solution in the bag has been introduced into the anus, the enema bag and tube can be removed. The patient should wait for five minutes before expelling the solution.

A barium enema is an x-ray test in which white liquid, called barium, is placed into the rectum and colon through the anus to enhance the x-ray pictures of the colon. These x-rays are used to define normal and abnormal activity of the colon and rectum.