Fecal accumulations in the lower bowel are more quickly and easily
removed by an enema of warm water than by any purgative, laxative, or
cathartic ever discovered or invented; and the use of this remedy is
never accompanied by the unpleasant and painful griping and tenesmus
which often accompany the use of cathartics. The administration is a
trifle more troublesome, but the results are enough superior to more
than repay the inconvenience. The fountain syringe is far preferable to
any other for administering injections. Water about blood-warm should be
used when the purpose is to relieve constipation, and a considerable
quantity—one to three pints, or more—may be used. The water should be
retained for a few minutes, while the bowels are kneaded and shaken. In
hemorrhage and inflammation of the lower bowel, cool or cold clysters
should be employed, and should be retained as long as possible. The
copious cool enema is a valuable antiphlogistic remedy used in
conjunction with the cool bath in cases of violent febrile excitement,
as typhoid fever, when the temperature rises above 103° F.
The enema is a most perfect substitute for purgatives in general. Cases
are very rare in which a cathartic drug will be found necessary if the
enema is properly used. But the enema may become a source of mischief if
abused. If habitually relied upon to secure a movement of the bowels for
a long time, the bowels lose their activity, and the most obstinate
constipation sometimes results, precisely as from the prolonged use of
purgatives.