Esmarch's irrigator. How to use it yourself at home, what it is, differences, where to buy, price

The procedure of intestinal lavage has been used since ancient times to treat gastrointestinal diseases and alleviate the condition of difficult bowel movements. In this case, special tools are used.

Today, even those whose activities are not related to medicine know what Esmarch’s mug is. The use of such a device is also permissible at home without the help of a medical professional.

A glass enema with a tube, a water hole and a tip was developed by the great German surgeon and antiseptic pioneer F. A. Esmarch at the end of the 19th century. Modern analogues are made from silicone, plastic, rubber, and polymer materials. They look different, but have the same structure as 200 years ago.

Indications for use

An Esmarch mug (or simply an enema) is a reservoir with a long flexible hose (up to 2 m) that allows you to hang the vessel on a tripod. The enema works based on the laws of gravity, so it should be located above the patient, who is in a horizontal position at the time of the procedure.

In addition to the container for the solution and the hose, the enema has 2 different nozzles - soft for vaginal administration and hard for rectal use. There are also elongated versions of nozzles for deep introduction of the solution into the colon.

To control the amount of solution poured in and the speed at which it is supplied, the Esmarch mug has a special shut-off valve, making it easier to use the device at home. An enema is an effective means of cleansing the intestines, known since the times of Ancient Egypt.

It is used in the following cases:

• to soften stool when stool becomes hard;
• for administering solutions and decoctions of medicinal herbs in the treatment of inflammation;
• in the treatment of diseases associated with defecation disorders (organ prolapse, developmental abnormalities, tumor processes, dysbacteriosis, intoxication, stress);
• in case of ineffectiveness of the use of laxatives;
• in the treatment of infectious and inflammatory diseases of the urinary system;
• cleansing the body of harmful substances for the purpose of losing weight;
• in case of disturbances in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
• for nutrition in severe cases of poisoning or exhaustion;
• in gynecology for various inflammations (endometritis, inflammation of the appendages), including the presence of purulent discharge;
• before surgery, childbirth and some other medical procedures.

Symptoms and indications for enema cleansing

An enema to cleanse the intestines is not recommended without indications or too often and after a short period of time. To avoid mistakes, you need to study information on how to give an enema correctly.

• A cleansing enema may be required if the abdomen is bloated.
• If there is irregularity in the output of feces, i.e. either dysentery or constipation.
• Weakness throughout the body.
• Fatigue sets in quite quickly.
• Presence of pain in the lumbar region, aching joints.
• With frequent diagnosis of ARVI.
• There is pain in the hypochondrium on the right side.
• There is an unpleasant odor from the mouth when breathing.
• Colon cleansing at home can also be done before a diet.

Before giving a cleansing enema, you should organize proper nutrition, because... When unhealthy food enters the human body, it not only harms overall health, but is also poorly absorbed. As a result, intoxication and slagging may occur, various parasites may appear and congestion may form, i.e. stone stool cannot pass out of the colon on its own.

In what form is it produced?

An Esmarch mug, which is quite convenient to use at home, can be made of a variety of plastic materials that are resistant to treatment with sterile solutions, and differ in some characteristics.

Esmarch's irrigator

In pharmacies you can find Esmarch mugs of various manufacturers and price categories.

Some of the most common options:

• Esmarch Alpina Plast mug 1.5 l – 412.90 rub.

• Esmarch Alpina Plast mug 2 l – 436.50 rub.
• Esmarch mug (rubber) Alpha No. 1 – RUB 154.80.
• Esmarch mug (rubber) Alpha No. 2 – 161.70 rub.
• Esmarch mug (rubber) Alpha No. 3 – 170.30 rub.
• Esmarch mug (rubber) Kievguma No. 2 – 155.80 rub.
• Esmarch mug (rubber) Kievguma No. 3 – 168.00 rub.
• Esmarch sterile disposable mug Apex Honey 1500 ml – 145.00 rub.
• Esmarch sterile disposable mug Apex Honey 1750 ml – 150.00 rub.
• Esmarch sterile disposable mug Alife 2000 ml – 184.00 rub.
• Esmarch's non-sterile disposable mug Alife 2000 ml – 120.00 rub.
• Combination heating pad (Esmarch mug) Meridian 1 l – 178.00 rub.
• Combination heating pad (Esmarch mug) Meridian 1.5 l – 198.00 rub.
• Combination heating pad (Esmarch mug) Meridian 2 l – 270.40 rub.

Separately in pharmacies you can purchase any tips for the mug, the cost of which starts from 8 rubles.

How many times to do an enema

The number of repetitions of the enema is determined by the purpose for which this cleansing procedure is used. If therapeutic enemas are performed, the doctor determines how many times to do the enema. When carrying out bowel cleansing (during a diet, fasting, for prophylactic purposes), it is not recommended to give enemas more than once a week. More frequent cleansing procedures can lead to intestinal dysbiosis.

An enema for constipation is performed until a sufficient laxative effect is achieved. Before you give yourself an enema, you should consult with your doctor about how many times to do the enema, in order to avoid disruption of the intestinal microflora, injury, burns, and aggravation of the condition.

Table 1. Drugs that restore the intestines after enema therapy

Advantages and disadvantages

Esmarch's mug, which can be used independently at home is its main advantage, has firmly entered into everyday life and has become an integral part of the first aid kit in many homes.

This invention, invented back in the 19th century, owes such wide distribution to its main properties:

• does not require special medical skills - you can use it without resorting to outside help, avoiding unnecessary witnesses in such a delicate issue;
• universal – has several tips for different uses, can be used as a heating pad;
• capacious - suitable for large volumes of solutions that cannot be administered with a regular enema;
• available - sold in pharmacies everywhere, sold without a prescription;
• budget price - depending on the manufacturer, volume and type, it can vary from 80 to 800 rubles;
• easy to care for – easy to disinfect, can be used repeatedly (for reusable models).

However, the device has a number of disadvantages:

• the procedure requires certain conditions - being in a horizontal plane, having bolsters under the back, correct positioning of the patient and an enema;
• the procedure itself causes discomfort and sometimes pain;
• to hang a mug, you need a tripod or other available device (for example, a hook in the wall);
• administering an enema requires care so that at the end of the procedure no air gets into the intestines through the tube;
• The process of sterilizing the device before and after the procedure is quite labor-intensive.

Preparing for an enema

To prepare and successfully carry out the manipulation, it is necessary to properly prepare for the enema and arrange the manipulation site in accordance with all the rules.

Necessary equipment

To carry out the procedure, you must have the following items available:

1. Esmarch's irrigator.
2. The tube is about 1.5 meters long.
3. A tip corresponding to the diameter of the patient's anus (there are tips for children and adults).
4. Clamp.
5. Vaseline, for free insertion of the tip.

Application

Esmarch's mug, which is easy to use at home, is sold unassembled and consists of individual elements that require preliminary assembly.

The entire process of the procedure consists of 3 main stages:

• assembly and preparation of the device;
• administering an enema;
• sterilization of the device.

Assembly and preparation

The preparatory stage will depend on the type of device used - disposable or reusable:

• When using a disposable sterile mug, you need to make sure that its packaging is intact, remove the contents and begin assembly (if required), and check the reliability of the connected elements.
• The use of a reusable Esmarch mug or a non-sterile disposable version requires pre-treatment of the device.

Preparation stages:

• Wash and sterilize all parts of the mug if necessary: ​​the reservoir with peroxide, and the tip and tube rinse under high pressure water and wipe with alcohol.
• Connect the reservoir to the tube using an adapter, and on the other side, put on the required tip.
• After sterilizing the mug, you should prepare an enema solution at the desired temperature. Typically, cleansing is carried out with a cool enema with a solution temperature of about 20 C, or a warm enema according to indications (to eliminate pain and spasms), with a maximum permissible value of 35 - 38 C. Regardless of the material used, the following solutions can be used for enema:

1. herbal decoctions;
2. solutions with soda;
3. with potassium permanganate;
4. with table salt;
5. with lemon;
6. with vegetable oils;
7. with medications;
8. with nutrients as artificial complementary foods (glucose, aminopeptin).

• Pour the pre-prepared solution into a container and secure it to a tripod so that the hose reaches the patient without tension, but does not sag below the level of the couch. Usually the mug is hung at least 1 - 1.5 m above the couch (depending on the length of the hose).

• Release the air from the hose, draining a small amount of liquid, and check the shut-off valve for serviceability.
• Lubricate the tip with Vaseline, baby oil or cream. If these are not available, sunflower oil will also work.

Administration of an enema

To carry out the cleaning procedure, several conditions must be met:

• to avoid injury, the patient should be in a relaxed state and breathe deeply;
• the mug should be vertical, above the patient;
• At the end of the procedure, there should be some liquid left at the bottom of the reservoir so that air does not accidentally enter the rectum through the tube.

The procedure for carrying out the cleaning procedure:

• Cover the couch or floor (preferably located near the toilet) where the patient will lie with oilcloth. Prepare a cushion from available materials - towels or sheets.
• If you use an Esmarch mug for vaginal douching, you must additionally have a large basin on hand into which the solution will be poured.
• The Esmarch mug, which can be used at home either independently or with the help of another person, requires the patient to take a certain pose:

1. when carrying out cleansing without outside help, you should take a knee-elbow position (get on all fours) so that the level of the shoulders is lower than the level of the pelvis;
2. when doing vaginal douching, lie on your back, bend your knees and tuck your legs towards your stomach;
3. If you have an assistant, you should take a horizontal position on your left side (since most of the rectum is on the left) and tuck your legs.

• Carefully insert the lubricated tip with rotational movements 3 - 4 cm into the anus (it is advisable to also lubricate it with Vaseline), pointing the tip towards the navel, then change the trajectory of movement - towards the sacrum, and also slowly insert it to the remaining depth of 7 - 10 cm.

• Open the stopcock and slowly introduce the solution. If there is a strong feeling of discomfort or bloating, you should stop administering the fluid and take a short break, remaining in the same position. Continue administration by adjusting the pressure.
• Carefully monitor the amount of incoming liquid and turn off the tap without waiting until the end of the solution in the tank.
• Using the same slow rotational movements, remove the tip, squeezing the buttocks.
• Roll over onto your back and place a cushion under your buttocks to better distribute the fluid into the deep parts. Lie like this for 3 – 5 minutes.
• Then remove the roller and turn over on your right side (for the same purpose), remaining in this position for another 5 minutes.
• Get up and walk around a bit before using the toilet. The best effect will be achieved if 15-20 minutes pass between administering the enema and bowel movement. However, if you have a strong urge to defecate, you still shouldn’t endure it.

Sterilization

After using the device for its intended purpose, you need to disassemble it, rinse it with water and thoroughly sterilize all parts separately.

• Pour hydrogen peroxide into the container and shake thoroughly so that all the walls are washed with the solution.
• Rinse the tip and tube under high pressure water, boil for 3 – 5 minutes, and can be additionally treated with alcohol. It is allowed to store these elements of the device in Furacilin solution.
• Additionally, you can wipe all elements with alcohol and repeat the procedure before further use.

Preparation of the solution

Compound

Depending on the purpose, various medications can be injected into the rectum. This leads to different methods for preparing enema solutions.

Saline solution

The advantage of saline solution is an increase in osmotic pressure in the intestinal lumen, which leads to increased peristalsis and softening of feces due to the release of interstitial fluid into the intestinal lumen.

It is prepared using regular table salt or Epsom salt, which is dry magnesia powder. In proportions: 20 g (2 tablespoons) per 100 ml of water (1/2 cup). It is administered using a rubber bulb, no more than 50 ml.

Soda solution

Soda solution is used when it is necessary to reduce painful spasms and intestinal colic. Baking soda helps reduce the acidity of stool because it is alkaline.

The solution is prepared using regular baking soda at the rate of 30 g per liter of water at the required temperature. To increase the effect, it is advisable to add a little salt, no more than two tablespoons (20 g) per liter of water.

Lemon solution

This procedure is effective for the prevention of bacteriosis, mold damage to the intestines, as well as for the treatment of helminthic infestation.
Vitamin C, which is contained in large quantities in lemon juice, helps strengthen the mucous membrane, increase the tone of the vascular wall, and is used to prevent the proliferation of hemorrhoids. It is prepared by squeezing the juice of two fresh lemons, which is diluted in a liter of water. The optimal injection temperature is 30˚C. Use caution when using this procedure only as directed by a physician and performed only by medical personnel.

Herbal solution

This category of enema solution is necessary for cleansing the intestines during flatulence and active fermentation processes. This enema has antiseptic properties, helps prevent the growth of pathological flora in the lumen of the large intestine, has wound healing functions, and an astringent component.

It is prepared as a decoction of herbs: chamomile, yarrow, sage in equal proportions with the addition of small amounts of mint and eucalyptus. For one liter, add 2 tablespoons of dried herbs and boil for about five minutes over low heat.

Read more: Using herbs for intestinal health: how and which plants to use

Oil solution

This type of cleansing is used for severe constipation and fecal blockages to soften and smooth passage of feces. To prepare it, various vegetable oils are used: olive, sunflower, flaxseed, hemp, vaseline, and so on. 100 ml of oil is heated over low heat to 30˚C.

Then the prepared mass is injected into the rectum. After which the patient must wait 15-20 minutes, then a herbal enema is recommended before bowel movement.

Potassium permanganate solution

The only enema that can be used as a treatment for diarrhea. This indication is based on its antiseptic properties. It has found its use in childhood cases of poisoning.

It must be prepared according to all the rules, since the substance in high concentrations can cause more harm in the form of a burn to the delicate mucous membrane than good. 2-3 grains of potassium permanganate are diluted in a glass of water, then diluted by 2 liters, a slightly pink solution is obtained. The required volume is injected into the rectum.

Temperature

Depending on the main purpose and composition of the solution, the temperature may vary.

• Cool. A regular cleansing enema for adults should be at room temperature (18-22˚C).
• Warm. A warm enema to relieve spasms and reduce pain should be at a person’s body temperature or slightly higher - in the range of 35-37˚C. The volume of such an enema should be minimal (no more than 500 ml). Contraindications to performing a warm enema are diseases of the cardiovascular system, diseases accompanied by cerebral edema, pulmonary edema, and so on.

The temperature for performing an enema in a child should be 2-3˚C lower than the child’s temperature. This technique is effective in reducing the baby’s high temperature.

Contraindications

Esmarch's mug, despite its effectiveness, can bring not only benefits to health, but also harm.

Thus, in history there are cases of death of some celebrities: according to one version, Marilyn Monroe died from a barbiturate administered through an enema, and the Marquise de Pompadour (a favorite of the French monarch Louis XV) depleted her body with regular enemas, destroying the intestinal microflora.

Harm of procedures with Esmarch's mug for the body:

• loss of the ability to empty independently – occurs during regular cleansing procedures, and therefore, the maximum allowable course of daily cleansing should not exceed 10 days;
• reverse effect of intoxication - administered solutions can break down toxins in the intestines and promote their better absorption through the intestinal walls;
• impaired intestinal sensitivity and leaching of beneficial microflora with repeated use;
• injury to the rectum by the tip (especially in the presence of hemorrhoids);
• the occurrence of nausea and vomiting, diarrhea.

Absolute contraindications to performing an enema are:

• the presence of malignant intestinal tumors;
• acute heart failure;
• bleeding hemorrhoids;
• rectal prolapse;
• inflammation of the anus;
• Crohn's disease and other diseases with ulcerative or erosive manifestations;
• diseases of the abdominal organs in acute form (peritonitis, exacerbation of ulcers, appendix);
• bleeding of the reproductive system and gastrointestinal tract;
• colitis.

Vaginal douching with an Esmarch mug is possible no earlier than:

• 2 – 3 days after the end of menstruation;
• one month after birth;
• a week after an abortion or other surgical procedures.

Carrying out gynecological manipulations using the Esmarch mug is unacceptable during pregnancy, menstruation and in the presence of acute inflammatory diseases of the genital organs.

What does Esmarch's mug look like?

Modern medical devices can be divided into two groups: disposable and reusable. The packaging for Esmarch's mug usually includes a picture indicating the names of the parts and assembly tips. Assembling the device is not difficult; it is usually done intuitively. You can buy a one-time enema in the Alif-Dafina online store.

How to assemble Esmarch's mug correctly:

• connect the tip and flexible hose;
• connect the other end of the hose to the reservoir (this is what the enema cup is called);
• install the valve.

How to choose the right one

The choice of a suitable Esmarch mug will depend on the purpose and number of procedures performed. For a one-time enema, you can purchase a disposable sterile mug, the cost of which is significantly lower than reusable options. In medical institutions you can most often find device number 2, with a volume of 1.5 liters. This option is the most popular in pharmacies.

The attending physician will help you determine the amount of solution for the procedure. But if the procedure is carried out without prior consultation, you can rely on weight indicators to select the container of the required size:

• from 47 to 70 kg, 1 - 1.2 liters of liquid is sufficient (Esmarch mug No. 1 or No. 2);
• from 70 to 80 kg – up to 1.5 liters of liquid (Esmarch mug No. 2);
• from 80 kg – Esmarch mug No. 3, volume 2 l.

To carry out vaginal douching, the required volume of solution is determined by the gynecologist and varies from 200 to 1000 ml. Accordingly, mug No. 1 will be enough.

Esmarch's mug is a convenient option for independent use at home when performing regular cleansing enemas. However, if you have health problems or to perform therapeutic enemas, you should still seek prior consultation with a specialist and not self-medicate.

Author: Anna Lalochkina

Article design: Vladimir the Great

Types of Esmarch mugs, sizes and volumes

The design of disposable and reusable devices has no design differences. Esmarch mugs for long-term use usually have a rubber body that is easy to disinfect. Disposable ones are packaged in sealed bags and are completely ready for intended use. But the price may differ several times.

In addition to classification by the number of uses and the possibility of disinfection, devices differ in volume.

The differences between Esmarch mugs 1, 2 and 3 are in how much solution can fit inside:

• 1 – up to one liter;
• 2 – up to one and a half;
• 3 – up to two and a half liters.