When gases accumulate in the intestines, a person begins to feel discomfort due to an unpleasant sensation in the abdomen, and sometimes breathing becomes difficult (the diaphragm, the main respiratory muscle, is pressed upward by the swollen intestines, and the lungs do not expand enough when breathing).
In newborns and young children, this condition causes anxiety, crying, and the child does not allow touching the stomach.
In healthy people, this may be a consequence of poor nutrition, when a person eats a lot of black bread, milk, and carbonated water.
Gas formation in newborns due to an insufficiently formed digestive system and in older people under certain conditions (prolonged restriction of movements after operations, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract) a large amount of gases accumulate in the intestines, which are formed during the digestion process.
In such cases, gases are removed from the intestines using a procedure called gas removal from the colon , using a special gas removal tube, which can be purchased at a pharmacy. The tubes are made of soft rubber, their sizes depend on age.
Technique for performing gas removal from the large intestine
Before the procedure, the tube must be washed with running water, make sure it is permeable (water should pour out of the hole in the tube) and boiled.
The patient lies on his side, legs bent at the knees. The rounded end of the tube is smeared with Vaseline or sunflower oil and inserted into the anus, spreading the buttocks. It is better to do this with helical movements (more free movement and less trauma). An end of at least 5-7 cm in length should remain outside. The tube is left for 30-40 minutes.
The procedure can be repeated several times a day, but you must remember that the tube must be washed and boiled each time. If pain or discomfort occurs, do not advance the tube further.
An alternative to a gas outlet tube, or making it yourself
If you cannot find such a device on sale, you can make it yourself. Take a rubber syringe and cut it in half at its widest point. As a result, you will get a gas outlet tube with a small capacity. Outwardly, it resembles a funnel.
You need to use such a device in the same way as described above. Don't forget to lubricate the tip. Otherwise, you may damage the intestinal mucosa. After use, thoroughly clean and sterilize the device.
Technique for installing a gas outlet tube
1. An oilcloth and diaper are placed under the patient.
2. Place the patient on his left side with his knees bent and legs pulled up to his stomach. If the patient cannot turn on his side, then he remains lying on his back, legs bent at the knees and spread apart.
3. Lubricate the rounded end of the gas outlet tube with Vaseline.
4. Wearing rubber gloves, spread the buttocks with the left hand, and with the right hand, taking the tube with a gauze napkin, insert it with rotational movements, observing all the bends of the rectum, to a depth of 20 - 25 cm. The outer end of the rubber tube - extension cord is lowered into a vessel with water placed on the bed or, better yet, at the patient's bedside on a stool.
5. After 1.0 - 1.5 hours, the tube should be removed, even if there is no relief, to avoid the formation of bedsores on the wall of the rectum.
6. After removing the gas tube, the patient should be washed. If the anus is red, lubricate it with a drying ointment, such as zinc.
7. After use, the system is immediately soaked in a 3% chloramine solution, then processed according to OST 42-21-2-85.
Who needs to use the device? Indications for manipulation
Placement of a gas outlet tube is prescribed for patients who have anal fissures and cannot independently empty their bowels due to the accumulation of air and liquid feces. This procedure is also prescribed for inflammatory diseases of the stomach and intestines. It is worth noting that an enema is often recommended for adult patients. Placement of a gas outlet tube is indicated in cases where it is impossible to use an Esmarch mug or a siphon enema.
This device is often recommended for use in children in the first months of life. A gas outlet tube for newborns is sold in almost every pharmacy chain. This remedy helps get rid of the accumulation of gases and feces.
What does a medical tube for removing internal gases look like?
The product is intended for rectal administration of medical substances, irrigation, and rectal drainage procedures. At production, the tubes are packaged in individual polypropylene or composite materials bags, which ensure the preservation of their performance characteristics throughout their entire shelf life.
The probe has the form of a tube or hose, one end of which is closed, it has 2 holes on the sides, located at intervals of 20-40 mm from the closed end, called the distal end. At the other end of the hose there is a cannula (a device for connecting additional devices for administering medications and liquids).
On sale there are often probes along the entire length, which are marked with a scale; the divisions usually have a pitch of 10 mm, starting from the distal end, located at a distance of 50 cm from it.
The general diagram of the product consists of the following parts:
- probe body;
- cannulas in the form of a colored attachment at one end of the tube;
- closed end with 2 side openings.
Preventing gas and constipation
As mentioned above, a gas outlet tube should be used only in extreme cases. Before such a procedure, it is better to try to solve the current problem using other methods, namely:
- adhere to a regular and balanced diet;
- give your child plenty of fluids (only according to the baby’s age);
- use folk remedies for flatulence, that is, drink various decoctions;
- use an alternative device to the gas outlet tube - enemas or microenemas;
- Be sure to consult a doctor for advice.
Important to remember!
There are a few key points to keep in mind when using this product.
- Self-placement of the tube can be a rather dangerous procedure for a newborn baby. It is best to contact an experienced specialist who has repeatedly introduced such devices for gas venting.
- It doesn’t matter whether the procedure with the passage of feces and gases was successful or not, in any case, the child should be washed.
- Re-use of the gas outlet tube is allowed only after 4-5 hours, and only after thorough treatment of the product (boiling, smearing with Vaseline, etc.).
- Such a device should be used to remove gases from a newborn baby only if it is absolutely necessary.
Description of the device
The gas outlet tube is a soft, thick-walled and polished rubber tube with a diameter of 3-5 millimeters and a length of 30-50 centimeters. The end of the product, which is inserted directly into the intestine, is usually rounded around the central hole. The other side of the device, on the contrary, is cut across. This tube can be inserted to different depths. As a rule, this depends on the age of the person and his individual physiological characteristics.
How and in what cases is a gas outlet tube used? Instructions for use for this medical item are usually not included in the packaging along with the product. In this regard, we decided to describe in detail how it should be applied in practice.
Instructions for the gas outlet pipe (with fig.)
As I understand it, there is a need to share my experience.
I read questions here regularly + I get asked them in posts and in private messages. I don’t mind))) I will help as much as I can, but please first read my sad experience before you start using the gas outlet - . I tried to get out of the situation in this way and it helped me, but I suggest either not starting at all, or doing it with very rare regularity. GIRLS, my daughter already has enviable poop in consistency and shape. All our tests are normal. Complementary feeding was introduced, but it had no effect. I give olive oil (a spoonful in the puree), I give a lot of water (up to 200 ml per day) - there is an effect, the poop has become perfect, but my daughter cannot push it through - she is lazy (or does she not know how? She’s gotten used to my “help”). I beg you, before using a gas outlet, THINK! Have they been there before? There were definitely problems, but there was another way out. NO, I am in no way advocating NOT helping your own child and making him cry for five hours at a time, I’m just trying to appeal to reason and PATIENCE, because... there are golden rules:
- during breastfeeding, a child may not poop for several days (I don’t specifically write the number of these days, find it yourself, consult a doctor, which I am not). I’ll paraphrase this rule - a child on breastfeeding can RARELY poop, which means your milk is completely absorbed by the child’s gastrointestinal tract (what kind of nonsense is this phrase? WHERE is it absorbed? Absorbed into the blood and the walls of the stomach? In any case, there must be an end to the cycle of digestion! Another question - when does this circle close? For some, 10 minutes after eating, for others - a week later. This period seems too long to me, 7-10 days. IMHO, I am not promoting anything... If the child is active, cheerful, does not change his mode and does not have a temperature - WAIT (this also applies to IV), for HW I consider the optimal period to be 3 days (maximum!).
- for IV, the phrase about 100% absorption of milk will definitely not work here. BULLSHIT! Even with a 99% adapted mixture. She cannot and will never become breast milk - she is ADAPTED. And there MUST be poop. Here they also set different deadlines, but I think 24 hours (maximum). Provided the child is active, cheerful and there is no fever or uncontrollable screaming.
If it did happen. Inability to poop. Throw tomatoes at me, but I think (even now, given my story) - THE CHILD NEEDS HELP.
I gave baking instructions above. I give instructions for gas venting below.
This is what she looks like:
Firstly, gas outlets come in different sizes: 15 and 16 for newborns (tubes of the narrowest diameter, BUT without a hole); sizes 17 and 18, respectively, of a larger diameter, but with an additional, third hole on the side (two inlets and outlets at the ends of the tube and one “on the side” closer to the end of the gas outlet, to the part that goes into the butt). It is better to take size 17-18, with an additional hole (it is on the left in the picture).
Secondly, when using an H/O tube, it must be boiled for at least 20 minutes (it is orange, the paint is very corrosive and may remain on your hands after boiling. Boil until there are no traces).
Thirdly, the use of a gas outlet is PROHIBITED without oil. Use Vaseline or boiled (of course, cooled!) sunflower. The tip of the gas outlet (the one with an additional hole) generously lubricated with oil and inserted into the child’s butt.
ATTENTION : not per meter is entered! And for starters, 1-1.5 cm (one to one and a half cm). Next, twirl it in the child’s butt (irritate the hole), if the poop doesn’t go at this moment, you can push it further into the butt, but no more than 3 cm. VERY CAREFUL, VERY GENTLE! You need to move her back and forth, but do everything without haste and very gently. Gases and even poop will come out through the hole (on the side). If this starts, you should stop using the h/o tube and continue to press the child’s legs towards the stomach and try to “finish” the act on your own.
The child should not scream! The child should not resist or tuck his legs! If the tube hits a noticeable obstacle, remove it and put it aside and massage it. Don't drill a hole in your own child's bottom!
Ideally, the first time this happens, call an ambulance and ask them to demonstrate the use of an H/O tube. Even more ideally, achieve bowel movement through massage and PATIENCE.
Think about the future! Regulate nutrition, give more to DRINK (water, compotes), get tested. In case of prolonged constipation and absence of independent defecation, consult a doctor.
Girls, I wrote this myself based on my own experience and, alas, MISTAKES. Please THINK 100 times before using the H/O tube. If there is an urgent need, call a doctor and get advice on HOW to use it. Its further use depends on your desire and the situation with the child.
I ask you to use it CAREFULLY AND GENTLY if necessary.
It is better to use all methods BEFORE than to treat the consequences... If you don’t want to get used to artificial bowel movements, try to remove the causes, not the consequences. There are Microlax, microenemas: they contain glycerin, are soft, comfortable and easy to use. Read the instructions before use! My personal opinion is that this is better than glycerin suppositories - they are violent in nature and uncomfortable (you have to cut them lengthwise when they melt in your hands and insert the sharp edges into the child’s butt). In this case I only use this:
And at the end of my message I will repeat once again:
- I’m not a doctor, I’m just describing the procedure for my actions.
— try to regulate your diet and look for the REASONS for this condition.
— the use of a gas outlet is addictive. Failure to use it (when the child is screaming and nervous) is a risk of vasodilation/constriction and weakening of the nervous system. I am against this too. The blade will have to be balanced on this thin edge...
I hope for your reasonableness, accuracy and PATIENCE.
Good luck and HEALTH to your children)))
Your Alenishcha
How to choose?
A gas outlet tube for children (and adults too) is sold in almost every pharmacy. It should be noted that there is a difference between these products. For example, a medical attribute designed specifically for newborns is made only from non-toxic materials. The temperature of such devices should be close to the temperature of the human body, and its tip should be rounded. It is these qualities that ensure painless and safe insertion of the gas outlet tube into the anus.
Today there are several manufacturers of such attributes on the market. But before purchasing a product, you should think not about the brand, but about such a main parameter as its diameter. It should be especially noted that it should be within 2.5–3 millimeters. This value corresponds to the 16th and 17th size of the device.
general information
Before answering the question of how to use a gas outlet tube, you should find out why it is needed at all. As is known, in normal condition the human intestine contains from 200 to 900 ml of various gases. They are formed when the microflora of the gastrointestinal tract comes into contact with food masses. During the day, such gases may pass through the stool or naturally.
It should be noted that sometimes some pathological conditions of the human body lead to excessive gas formation, or so-called flatulence. In such cases, not only the volume of the gas mixture changes, but also its qualitative composition. As a result, hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, mercaptan and other substances that have an extremely unpleasant odor and toxic properties begin to accumulate in the intestines. Gas formation is accompanied by a feeling of fullness in the abdomen, bloating, heartburn, belching, as well as colicky pain, which often subside after the gas has passed. As a result, the patient feels rumbling and seething.
It should be noted that this condition is not harmless, because with severe flatulence, destabilization of the heart occurs, shortness of breath increases and a rise in blood pressure is provoked. Experts recommend that patients use a gas outlet tube. Most often, this medical attribute is used to alleviate the condition of young children rather than adults, because children are unable to get rid of increased gas formation on their own. Before we talk about how to install a gas outlet tube for a newborn, you should find out what this product looks like.
