An enema, also called a clyster, is the introduction of fluid into the lower bowel through the anus, and the practice has been in continuous use for centuries. In conventional medicine, the most common enemas relieve constipation or cleanse the bowel before an examination or procedure, but the same technique is also used diagnostically as a barium enema, therapeutically to treat conditions such as traveler's diarrhea, and as a route for delivering fluid, food or medicine when intravenous access is not available. Enemas are available without a prescription and can be administered by a clinician or, for routine use, by a patient at home.
Facts
Origin YearEarliest known written mention of the enema in medical literature, not a claim about when the practice itself first began. Classification
StatusDiscontinued or Obsolete 1 Sources
1. Wikipedia
Wikipedia contributors, Wikimedia Foundation
2. Wikipedia: Enema
Wikimedia FoundationAncient and medieval, Africa section
The first mention of the enema in medical literature is in the Ancient Egyptian Ebers Papyrus (c. 1550 BCE).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enema, lead section
An enema, also known as a clyster, is the rectal administration of a fluid by injection into the lower bowel via the anus.
View the Source Frequently Asked Questions
What are enemas used for, and what risks do they carry?
Mainly constipation relief and bowel cleansing; misuse can cause electrolyte imbalance, rupture or dependency.
In standard medicine, the most frequent uses of enemas are to relieve constipation and for bowel cleansing before a medical examination or procedure such as a colonoscopy. Improper administration of an enema can cause electrolyte imbalance (with repeated enemas) or ruptures to the bowel or rectal tissues. Frequent use of enemas can cause laxative dependency. This record describes what the sources state and is not medical advice.
How old is the enema as a treatment?
Mentioned in the Ebers Papyrus, about 1550 BCE.
The first mention of the enema in medical literature is in the Ancient Egyptian Ebers Papyrus (c. 1550 BCE). Beginning in the 17th century, enema apparatus was chiefly designed for self-administration at home. In the early 20th century the disposable microenema, a squeeze bottle, was invented.
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