Can patients with hepatic encephalopathy use soapy water for enema?
Mar 04, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Gao Jun
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, patients with hepatic encephalopathy should not receive enemas with soapy water; if there is any doubt, it is recommended to consult a physician. Soapy water is an alkaline solution, and its use for enemas increases the alkalinity of the intestinal environment. Under alkaline conditions, a large amount of ammonia is produced in the intestine and absorbed into the bloodstream. Ammonia is one of the key factors that trigger hepatic encephalopathy when liver function is impaired.
Generally, patients with hepatic encephalopathy should not use soapy water for enema. If there are any concerns, it is recommended to consult a physician. Detailed analysis is as follows:
Soapy water is an alkaline solution, and using it for enema increases the alkalinity of the intestinal environment. Under alkaline conditions, large amounts of ammonia are produced in the intestines and absorbed into the bloodstream. Ammonia is one of the key factors inducing hepatic encephalopathy. When liver function is impaired, the liver cannot effectively remove ammonia from the blood, leading to its accumulation in the body and further worsening symptoms of encephalopathy. Therefore, to avoid exacerbating the condition of patients with hepatic encephalopathy, soapy water should not be used for enema.
In addition, soapy water enema may cause irritation and damage to the intestines. The chemical components of soapy water may produce both physical and chemical irritation to the intestinal mucosa, resulting in intestinal inflammation, edema, or even bleeding. These intestinal injuries not only increase the risk of infection but may also further affect normal intestinal function, hindering the recovery of patients with hepatic encephalopathy. Moreover, soapy water enema may disrupt the balance of the normal intestinal flora, leading to the proliferation of harmful bacteria, which can further worsen symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy.
Patients with hepatic encephalopathy should undergo regular monitoring of liver function and blood ammonia levels to promptly detect changes in their condition and receive treatment and adjustments under the guidance of a physician.
