Enema Supplies and Suppositories

Mineral Oil vs Saline Enema: Which one to choose?

Introduction     |     Types of Enemas     |     Best-Selling Enemas     |     Customizable Enema Options

Reviewed by Christine Kijek, Registered Colorectal Nurse on, May 14, 2022

An enema is used for many reasons. Just as there are many reasons, there are different types of enemas, each of which contains different ingredients and works differently in the body. While some may choose an enema to soften stool or for routine colon cleansing, the reason for using an enema may have more of a medical necessity. Enemas have been used as part of alternative health therapy for some time, but no matter the reason they all have basically one thing in common: cleansing.

Enemas are not exactly a household word. While everyone may know generally what they are, there may be misunderstandings about their benefits and how they work. An enema is a fluid injected into the lower intestines and colon via the rectum. The most common use for an enema is to relieve constipation or impacted stool. Those with bowel dysfunction may use an enema to deal with fecal incontinence as well as constipation. While many people use oral laxatives or suppositories, sometimes the direct use of an enema can also help.

While the endgame (no pun intended) of all enema options is similar, the different types of enemas work differently within the body. There are some enemas that are designed for specific medical procedures (such as a barium enema) or more importantly, the relief from constipation or impacted stool.

• Mineral Oil Enemas - A mineral oil-based enema is used for constipation to lubricate and soften the stool while helping it slide through the colon easily. It is available in a prefilled squirt bottle that is easy to use and is disposable.
• Sodium Phosphate Enemas - Sodium phosphate enema works in a different way from one that is mineral oil based. As opposed to just lubricating and softening, this type of enema draws water from the body into the colon, therefore loosening impacted stool and expelling it from the body through the rectum.
• Saline Solution Enemas - Sometimes just a water or saline solution enema can be enough to get relief from minor constipation. It is very important to make sure that you use the appropriate amount of fluid or an injury can occur.

Below is a chart from atitesting.com giving examples of fluid amounts:

Fluid amounts for large volume enemas
Infant	50 to 150 ml
Toddler	250 to 350 ml
Child	300 to 500 ml
Adolescent	500 to 750 ml
Adult	750 to 1000 ml

Many people have sought out enemas as an alternative therapy. The use of a colonic to cleanse the colon has become quite popular for the removal of feces and nonspecific toxins from the colon and intestinal tract according to enemabasics.com. These enemas can have side effects, such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea not to mention electrolyte imbalance, so make sure to discuss these with your doctor or nurse before deciding to buy enema.

In the fight against constipation or colon irrigation, there are many enema options available.

Not all enemas need to be in a prefilled, ready-to-use bottle. Some are customizable according to user preferences. The set allows users to use any type of liquid they want to use.  

• The Marlen Colonic Enema Set allows users to use any type of liquid they want to use. It is often used for safe, effective evacuation for those experiencing loss of sphincter control.
• One option that allows patients flexibility is the Medline Disposable Enema Bucket Set. It comes in a wrapped polypropylene bag that includes a bucket, tube with clamp, sterile lubricating jelly, and Castile soap packet. It is a great one-stop shop for your enema usage.
• Another option is the Bard Radiopaque Rubber Colon Tube with Funnel End. This 30-inch-long tube is designed for the administration of enemas (as well as certain medications) and features an open distal tip and one side-eye. It does contain latex and is non-sterile while being designed for single use.
• The Bard Rubber Rectal Catheter uses an inflatable balloon to maintain proper catheter position and is perfect for one-time enema use and other medications. This catheter is made of latex and is non-sterile.

Whether you choose to use any enema kits for relieving constipation or as alternative medicine, there are plenty of options for just about everyone.

 

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