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Chinese Herbal Retention Enema for the Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis
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Chemical colitis from a hydrogen peroxide enema
Yagnesh Desai1, Jeffery Orledge
1Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson 39216, USA. ydesai@umc.edu
Journal of the Mississippi State Medical Association
|March 4, 2011
Summary
Hydrogen peroxide enemas can cause chemical colitis, leading to severe abdominal pain and rectal bleeding. This case highlights the risks of using household chemicals for constipation relief.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Constipation is a frequent emergency department complaint.
- Patients often self-treat constipation with various remedies.
- Enemas are a common method for constipation relief.
Observation:
- A 43-year-old male with chronic constipation used a hydrogen peroxide and sodium phosphate enema.
- He developed severe abdominal pain and hematochezia shortly after administration.
- Imaging revealed moderate to severe colitis involving the rectum and colon.
Findings:
- The patient's symptoms of abdominal pain and hematochezia resolved.
- He was discharged the following day without further complications.
- Chemical colitis was diagnosed secondary to the hydrogen peroxide enema.
Implications:
- This case underscores the potential dangers of using hydrogen peroxide enemas.
- Healthcare providers should counsel patients on safe constipation management.
- Alternative, evidence-based treatments for constipation are recommended.
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