Many modern medical devices that seem so mundane today were truly revolutionary in their time. A striking example of this is Esmarch's mug. What is it?
Main enema tool
Esmarch's mug (photo below) is a medical device for carrying out such a well-known procedure as an enema.
As a rule, this tool is used when large volumes of liquid (1-2 liters) need to be injected into the intestines. In other cases, rubber bulbs of various sizes are used.
What it consists of
For more than a century of its existence, this tool has not changed much. In addition to the materials from which it is made. Today it is rubber, plastic and silicone.
Traditional Esmarch mug consists of the following components.
- Liquid tank. In terms of capacity, it is one-, two- or three-liter. In fact, he is this very "mug". It was originally made of metal and ceramics and resembledbowl. With the development of the chemical industry, it began to be made from rubber. This helped to change the design of this part. Now the mug takes up less space and resembles an oval-shaped deflated rubber ball. On top there is a hole for pouring liquid and a device that allows you to hang the tool.
- From the bottom, the tank narrows and passes into a narrow hose about 1.5 m long. It is through it that the liquid is supplied.
- A tip with a limiter is attached to the end of the hose. This removable part of the Esmarch mug can be of different lengths and thicknesses, as well as shapes. There are children's and adult nozzles. Most often they are plastic. However, there are those made of rubber or silicone. Ideally, each family member who uses such an instrument should have their own handpiece, or it must be sterilized.
- Depending on the model, there is a clamp or a faucet at the end of the hose in front of the tip. It allows you to pause the procedure if necessary.
Combination heating pad
Often, another medical device can act as Esmarch's mug - a rubber heating pad, which would be more correctly called a combined one. It differs from the usual set. In addition to the cork itself and the cork, the set includes a hose with a tap and a tip.
Thus, in normal cases, a heating pad can and should be used for its intended purpose (warm or cool). And in case of urgent need, it will perfectly replace Esmarch's mug.
One time
The types of this tool described above are intended for reuse. However, Esmarch's disposable mugs are also on sale.
Unlike the usual ones, they are sterile and are used in special cases. There are varieties with a ready-made preparation inside.
The story of Esmarch's mugs
Such a medical procedure as an enema was invented by the ancient Egyptians and was actively practiced by other peoples. Initially, its purpose was to combat constipation and cleanse the intestines. However, it was soon discovered that its walls are able to absorb various substances administered rectally quite well. This discovery made it possible to use the anus no longer for its intended purpose. Medicinal and even nutritional enemas were practiced, as well as alcoholic and opium enemas.
But while some experimented in search of new pleasures and rejuvenation, others continued to work for the benefit of humanity. Among these scientists was the German surgeon F. A. Esmarch. During his long life, he participated in the role of a medic in many wars. He made many important discoveries, without which modern medicine would not have appeared. He was one of the pioneers of asepsis and antiseptics, perfected the methods of vascular bleeding and actually became the founder of future nursing institutions.
It was this outstanding person who came up with the idea of using a suspended vessel for washing the intestines. His innovation was a real breakthrough. The fact is that before Esmarch, an enema was done withusing a piston mechanism resembling a large metal syringe. It was not only extremely uncomfortable, but also small-capacity. So the procedure had to be done several times.
Innovation pretty soon migrated from military field medicine to conventional medicine. Doctors praised the convenience of the new device, and it quickly replaced its piston predecessor and does not give up its positions to this day.
How to make an enema with Esmarch's mug at home
The device of the device in question, as well as the procedure carried out with it, are so simple that they can be carried out with equal ease both in medical institutions and at home. The algorithm is quite simple.
- Preparation of all tools. To make an enema with Esmarch's mug, in addition to the latter, you will need: petroleum jelly, disposable gloves, oilcloth and a basin. You will also have to figure out how to hang the bowl to a height of about 1.5 m. Hangers are usually used for this.
- Preparation of liquid for enema. Its temperature is no less important than its composition. The colder it is, the less it is absorbed by the intestinal walls. It should be borne in mind that while passing through the hose, the liquid cools down by 0.5 ° C. The ideal temperature is considered to be 36-37 °C. However, in this case, the substances from the feces in the intestines will dissolve a little and be absorbed by its walls. So if the purpose of the enema is to cleanse the harmful toxins found in the feces, the water should be at room temperature. By the way, in addition to H2O, inject into the bodyRectally, you can also infusions of medicinal plants and very light solutions (1%) of s alt, soda, vinegar, glycerin, soap, hydrogen peroxide, etc. Some even use urine. The choice of the type of enema fluid and its temperature should be agreed with the doctor.
- Patient preparation. If you have to deal with a bedridden patient, you should prepare the ship in advance. In other cases, you should make sure that the procedure is carried out near the toilet. It is best for the patient to lie on the left side with the buttocks slightly sticking out. An oilcloth should be laid under it, the edge of which falls into a basin at the foot of the bed. Thus, if water is spilled during the process, it will drain into the container.
- How does the enema itself go with the help of Esmarch's mug at home? Before starting it, you should put on disposable gloves, and grease the tip with Vaseline. Then gently push the patient's buttocks apart and insert the tip of the instrument with light screwing movements until it rests against the intestinal wall or stool. You can then remove the clamp or open the faucet on the hose and allow the liquid to fill the intestines. At the same time, it is important to monitor its quantity. As soon as it ends, immediately close the hose so as not to let in air. Since the mug has fulfilled its role, its tip must be carefully removed, and the tool sent for cleaning.
- The final stage of the procedure is the bowel cleansing itself. After the liquid has been poured into it, you need to lie down calmly. As soon as the unbearable desire to go to the toilet appears, then it's time.
How to care for the instrument
The above article describes how to use Esmarch's mug. But how do you take care of her? You need to follow a number of simple rules.
- After each use, all parts of the instrument should be washed with soap and water. Even if just water was used for the enema.
- The handpiece should also be sterilized. However, this procedure is best done immediately before use.
- After cleaning, all parts of the tool must be allowed to dry and only then put them in a bag or box.
- Like any rubber products, it is better not to store the Esmarch mug in too warm or cold places, as this can lead to premature wear.
Contraindications for use
When should this appliance not be used?
- Allergic to the material it is made from or ingredients in the enema liquid.
- Children under 13 are not allowed to use Esmarch's mug. Only rubber bulbs are acceptable to them.
- Kidney disease.
- Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as hemorrhoids and anal fissures.
In addition to the above, the attending physician may find other reasons. In any case, even if you yourself are doing an excellent job with the Esmarch mug, and there are never any problems or contraindications, you should periodically check with your doctor. The fact is that regularly giving yourself enemas is harmful. Because of this, it collapsesintestinal microflora, and he himself begins to "lazy".
It is known that the great lover of such cleansing, the Marquise Pompadour, at the end of her life brought her body to the point that she herself could no longer go big. So if you still practice the so-called "beauty enemas", then do them at least no more than once a week.
