Should i use enema when my baby is constipated?

According to experts, the use of enema for babies should only be done when other measures do not work because this method can cause many serious consequences.

Constipation is a common disease in both adults and children. Mostly, for mild cases, doctors still advise parents to limit the baby's medication, but instead should change the baby's diet. However, in cases where the baby has not been able to have a bowel for many days, the anal enema is a temporary solution that many parents think about. Is it safe to use an enema for your baby and how to use it? These concerns will be addressed in the following shares of aFamilyToday Health.

Is it safe to use an enema for your baby?

According to experts, using an anal enema for your baby is quite safe. However, this method should only be used when other methods have not shown any positive effects and before use, you should still consult your doctor. Because using enemas for babies can cause the following problems:

Causing a burning sensation and damage to the anal wall because the baby's anus is still very young

Loss of natural defecation reflexes

Anal bleeding

Drug dependence

Usually, with chronic constipation, a doctor can prescribe an enema for your baby. In addition, the doctor will also clearly state the distance between the indents and how to indent.

How do enemas work?

An enema is a laxative that is prepared in the form of a gel or solution with the aim of softening the stool so that it is easily excreted without causing too much pain or damage to the anus.

With young children, there are three commonly used anal enema drugs that are mineral oils (such as paraffin oil), salts and phosphates. With phosphates-containing medicines, you need to be very careful about the dosage because otherwise it could harm your baby.

How to indent the baby

Anal enemas usually work pretty quickly, and within a few minutes your baby will be able to expel the stool from the body. To indent your baby, you need to prepare the following items:

A bottle of enema

Some warm water

Chemical-free gloves

Making:

Step 1: Let the child lie on his left side, knees bent, hands relaxed or bent. Lower the child's head and chest forward so that the left arm is pressed against the left side in the most comfortable position.

Step 2: Open the lid of the medicine box, insert the medicine into the rectum through the anus, squeeze the medicine box vigorously to create force for the drug to be fully absorbed into the body.

Step 3: When the medicine is in the baby's rectum, you pull the tube out of the anus and gently squeeze the anus with your hand so that the medicine does not spill out. Put your baby in position until there is a need to "poop" (usually only 2 - 5 minutes after the injection).

Step 4: After the baby "poop" is finished, you use warm water to clean the baby's body.

Notes on the anal enema for the baby

Before giving the baby anus, you need to note a few things:

In a child, pumping fluid into the intestine can be uncomfortable. Your baby will even want to go to the toilet immediately. If this is the case, soothe your baby, ask him to take a deep breath to reduce stress and delay the time to "poop" for a few minutes.

When inserting the enema into your baby's rectum, you can add a little more lubricating oil to the tip of the tube to make it easier to insert. If you still can not get in, do not try too hard because this can cause the anal tissue to tear, causing the baby to feel pain. While administering the medication, help your baby feel comfortable, this will make it easier for you to put the medicine in.

Enemas are usually prescribed for babies over 2 years old, for babies under 2 years old, you should only use them when required by your doctor and strictly follow the instructions.

With babies under 6 months old , you need to carefully monitor the signs of constipation in your baby. If your baby goes "poop" less than 3 times / week but still plays well, breastfeeds well, stools are not hard, you do not need to intervene with enema or other laxatives.

While enemas can help relieve constipation, you should avoid doing this too often as it can easily make your baby dependent on the medication. Not only that, but the regular enema of the anus also makes the anus easier to stimulate and damage the tissues.

If your baby's constipation is accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or pain, see the doctor right away to avoid worsening symptoms.

The solution to treat constipation for your baby does not take medicine

Develop a healthy diet , practice the habit of going to the toilet at a certain time, increase mobility, drink plenty of water, these are golden rules to help babies less likely to constipation. You should also note that you should give your baby a lot of yogurt, high-fiber vegetables such as spinach, spinach, amaranth, sweet vegetables, spinach, jute ... and laxative foods like sweet potatoes. , bananas, dragon fruits, oranges ... to help children go out more easily.

In addition, you can also refer to folk remedies to create an outward reflex for the baby such as:

Apply honey to your baby's anus because honey is hot and will stimulate her to pass easily.

Use a clean cotton swab soaked in honey and gently swab the baby's anus (about 1cm deep), doing so a few times as the baby can walk.

Use a clean bamboo shoot, remove the shell and soak the honey and gently pick it up in the child's anus (about 1cm) to stimulate the baby to go out.

An anal enema can be safe, but you should only use it when other measures don't work and with your doctor's approval. If you find it difficult to indent your baby, do not hesitate to ask your doctor or ask your doctor to model.