Amoebic Dysentery and the Best Position for Administering Enemas

When treating amoebic dysentery with enema therapy, the left lateral position is generally recommended. This posture allows for better distribution of the medication through the rectum and into the left side of the colon, especially when the infection involves a larger area of the left colon. In such cases, the knee-chest position may also be considered, as it helps elevate the buttocks and facilitates the upward flow of the medicinal solution.

However, for elderly patients or those with hypertension and cerebrovascular diseases, the knee-chest position may pose certain risks. For these individuals, staying in the left lateral position is safer and more suitable. During the procedure, it is important for the patient to retain the enema for as long as possible and avoid defecation immediately afterward to maximize the effectiveness of the treatment.

Amoebic dysentery is primarily caused by intestinal damage due to Entamoeba histolytica infection, which can lead to symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and passage of stool resembling raspberry jam. While enema therapy may be used in specific cases—especially when the infection is localized in the rectum and causes severe mucosal congestion and edema—it is not the primary treatment method. Oral medications like metronidazole remain the first-line treatment for eliminating the parasite and relieving symptoms. In cases of rectal amoebiasis, enemas containing metronidazole or mucosal-protective agents may be used as adjuncts, but their application is relatively limited compared to systemic therapy.