Does the newborn enema have any side effects?

We know that taking care of a baby is not an easy task, and we need to be particularly careful with the baby's diet and daily life. However, many newborns have symptoms of constipation, which is a headache for parents. They don't know how to help the baby relieve the symptoms. Many parents will use enema to help the baby relieve constipation, but they are always worried about whether it will cause harm to the baby. Let's find out whether enema has side effects for newborns.

Does the newborn enema have any side effects?

Enema is a lubricant whose main ingredients are glycerin and other auxiliary drugs. In clinical practice, enema is usually used to stimulate the intestinal wall to induce a defecation reflex to assist defecation. This product is an over-the-counter laxative that can lubricate and stimulate the intestinal wall, soften the stool, and make it easier to pass. So, does enema have any side effects on babies? I believe that most mothers are very concerned about this issue. The following will answer this question in detail.

There are two common preparations of enema, one is glycerin preparation, and the other is mannitol and magnesium sulfate preparation. The two preparations have different ingredients, but the principles are basically the same. They both use the high concentration of glycerol or sorbitol, that is, the hyperosmotic effect, to soften the stool, stimulate the intestinal wall, and reflexively induce a defecation reaction. In addition, its lubricating effect can make the stool easier to excrete.

Suppositories help defecation by stimulating the intestinal wall to induce a defecation reflex. If used frequently, the more times the rectum is stimulated, the less sensitive it becomes. Once people get used to the drug, they will no longer respond. This is especially true for patients with dry and small stools. Long-term reliance on sulets for defecation will make it more difficult. The glycerin in the enema has strong water absorption and can easily cause dryness of the intestinal wall. Frequent use can cause habitual constipation and may also lead to dependence. Although enema is non-toxic, it cannot be used for a long time.

You can use enema to treat baby constipation. It is relatively safe and will not cause any residual problems. Because enema drugs mainly act locally, they relieve constipation by stimulating rectal peristalsis and forming a defecation reflex. The drug itself will not be absorbed by the human body, but it is best not to use enema for babies for a long time.

The above is an introduction to whether enema has any side effects for newborns. After understanding it, we know that enema has no side effects, but do not use enema frequently when the baby has difficulty defecating, as this will easily cause the baby to become dependent on enema. Be sure to give the baby more boiled water at ordinary times, and also pay attention to eating light food.