Open AccessHydrogen Peroxide Colitis: The Accidental Enema
Author(s) -
Ramin Karimi,
Ashish Sharma,
Kevin Tran,
Sebastian Montgomery
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
hca healthcare journal of medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2690-3830
pISSN - 2689-0216
DOI - 10.36518/2689-0216.1096
Subject(s) - enema , hydrogen peroxide , colitis , medicine , constipation , diarrhea , proctitis , bloody diarrhea , gastroenterology , ulcerative colitis , chemistry , biochemistry , disease
Description Chemical colitis is defined as inflammation of the large intestine or colon as a result of exposure from a harsh chemical through an enema or other procedure. In this case, the chemical is hydrogen peroxide, which is commonly used as an antiseptic for minor abrasions. Hydrogen peroxide enemas were once popular for difficult to treat constipation. However, resultant colitis and proctitis limited its use. When administered rectally in a high enough concentration, intense abdominal pain and transient bloody diarrhea can occur, with the majority of affected patients making a full recovery with supportive management. Here we discuss a case of an accidental low concentration hydrogen peroxide enema in an otherwise healthy young adult that emphasized the dangers of hydrogen peroxide damage to mucosal membranes.