Enema

Enema
Intervention
Rectal bulb syringe to administer smaller enemas
Pronunciation	/ˈɛnəmə/
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Enema, also known as clyster, is a fluid injected into the lower bowel by way of the rectum.

The most frequent use of an enema is to relieve constipation or for bowel cleansing before a medical examination or "procedure". In standard medicine an enema may also be employed as a lower gastrointestinal series (also called a barium enema), to check diarrhea, as a vehicle for the administration of food, water or medicine, as a stimulant to the general system, as a local application and, more rarely, as a means of reducing temperature, as treatment for encopresis, and as a form of rehydration therapy () in patients for whom intravenous therapy is not applicable.

Enemas are used as part of some alternative health therapies and are also used to administer drugs for recreational or religious reasons.

The main medical usages of enemas are:

In a lower gastrointestinal series an enema that may contain barium sulfate powder or a water-soluble contrast agent is used in the radiological imaging of the bowel. Called a barium enema, such enemas are sometimes the only practical way to view the colon in a relatively safe manner. Following barium enema administration, patients often find that flushing the remaining barium with additional water, baking soda, or saline enemas helps restore normal colon activity without complications of constipation from the administration of the barium sulfate.

Improper administration of an enema can cause electrolyte imbalance (with repeated enemas) or ruptures to the bowel or rectal tissues resulting in internal bleeding. However, these occurrences are rare in healthy, sober adults. Internal bleeding or rupture may leave the individual exposed to infections from intestinal bacteria. Blood resulting from tears in the colon may not always be visible, but can be distinguished if the feces are unusually dark or have a red hue. If intestinal rupture is suspected, medical assistance should be obtained immediately.