Enema is supposed to be a procedure performed under aseptic technique by well trained Health Personnel in the hospital to clear the colon in preparation for a test.
But today a lot of people have taken advantage of the procedure and abuse it without thinking of its Health implications.
However, Personal interactions with some people in the community show that some people use it to clear the system before taking malaria and typhoid treatment, to relieve stomach pains, some to stop constipation and even pregnant women do it as recommended by some Traditional Birth Attendance (TBA)
The funniest part is the belief that without pumping your stomach (Enema) you shouldn’t treat yourself MALARIA and TYPHOID as the treatment won’t work. Which is absolutely a misconception that is wrong.
Most importantly, the health implications of taking enema include;
1. Continuous use of enema can weaken the muscles of the intestines; this will make it difficult to have bowel movement without enema.
2. It can cause a condition known as Hyponatremia. This condition will make the body hold too much water. The water will now dilute the amount of sodium in the blood and cause sodium levels to be low.
3. INFECTIONS: people don’t really follow the aseptic technique as done in the hospital; this can introduce pathogens into the body thereby causing Infection.
4. It can also cause or worsen the existing kidney and Heart Disease.
In Conclusion, stomach pumping is not supposed to be a procedure performed by everyone at home for every slice of headache and fever; it is supposed to be recommended by Medical Professionals for Special purposes.
Hence, I advise caution should be applied when Administered at home to avoid Complications associated with it especially people with Kidney and Heart diseases. If it must be Administer at home ensure you wash all the necessary equipment and material appropriately
