What is an enema?
An enema is a tool used to relieve chronic constipation, treat a significant backup, or for diagnosis. An enema involves flushing the rectum or colon with a lot of water via the anus. The colon is a large hollow organ inside the abdomen. The colon is involved in digestion, the movement of water, and the formation of stool.
There are two primary types of enemas: therapeutic enemas and diagnostic enemas. A therapeutic enema cleans out the colon and/or rectum and is used to treat constipation and bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. A diagnostic enema typically uses a substance called barium. Barium shows up well on X-rays and allows doctors to assess colon or rectal conditions like ulcerative colitis, undiagnosed bleeding, or abdominal pain.