Constipation is a problem that plagues both adults as well as children. Many times, adhering to a proper diet that is rich in fibre helps stimulate the digestion. In certain cases, laxatives may also be prescribed to carry out the same function. But if the stool hardens completely, then passing it out would be quite difficult. These are situations when enema for children might become a necessity.
An enema might seem like quite an invasive process at the outset. Letting fluid enter your child’s colon in a reverse direction may also seem non-biological. But enemas are absolutely safe for children. An enema is only used when all the other remedies that facilitate bowel movements fail to cause any effect. However, it is always necessary to make sure you get your doctor’s go-ahead before administering enema on your little baby. Most of the times, if constipation seems chronic, then the doctor will possibly give you a demonstration on how to administer enema the right way for your baby. He will also keep you informed when to administer it next and under what conditions.
An enema is a process to stimulate the bowels to empty themselves. The aim is to help soften the stools which is achieved by flushing fluids into it via the rectum. Usually, a tube is used for this process. Once the fluids enter the bowels, they soften all the hard stools that are present, effectively turning everything inside into mush. This can then be passed out easily by the bowels, through the rectum, out of the anus, without causing much pain or harm.
Generally, there are three types of enemas that can be administered to children using specific fluids. These are mineral oil, saline solutions, and phosphate solutions. An enema given using a phosphate solution needs extreme precaution since the quantity needs to be precise. If the dosage is not exactly as it needs to be, it could cause harm to the baby.
Mineral oil enemas come in a specific dosage amount, which needs to be given to the child depending on his age. Saline solutions can be purchased from the medical store or they can be prepared at home as well, using the right proportion of lukewarm water and salt, and preparing it the right way. Enemas based on phosphate solutions are available in medical stores, and they come with all the paraphernalia required to administer it.
Enema for babies might require a doctor to do them first so that you have an idea how best to give them. After that, giving an enema won’t seem as complicated as before.
For a young child, holding the liquid inside the bowels can be quite difficult. He will start feeling the need to go to the toilet even before the requisite time is complete. When this happens, ask your child to breathe in deeply and breathe out regularly. This helps reduce the stress to poop immediately and delay it for some time.
Keep the following precautions in mind before administering an enema to your child.
Enema for a toddler is the last course of action that is taken when passing poop isn’t possible in the usual way and with any other non-invasive measures. Do not be afraid to administer it, especially if your doctor recommends so. A few enemas can help in resetting the bowel function to normalcy and your baby will be back to being absolutely fine.