Question: I have a friend who has had constipation for many years. She now gives herself an enema three times a week. Is this dangerous?
Dr. Hibberd's answer:
Routine enema use is unwise. The bowel becomes enema dependent with regular enema use and that only sets the stage for complications later.
Advise your friend to have a colonoscopy screening for cancer, as changes in bowel habits can be an early symptom of cancer of the colon. Her primary care physician can also advise her on how to follow a high-fiber diet or refer her to a dietician, so that laxative and enema dependence can be minimized or avoided.
In the meantime, she should be sure that she is not using any medications that can cause constipation and consider a total health review with her doctor.
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