The Effect of Coffee Enema on Constipation

커피관장이 변비정도의 변화 및 만족도에 미치는 영향

Background and Objectives : Constipation is a common digestive disorder and enema is one of the external intervention for constipation. Coffee enema was originated by Dr. Gerson for the purpose of colon cleansing and detoxification. However there has been no study about the effect of coffee enema on constipation. Therefore, this study was planned to evaluate the effect of coffee enema on constipation in the terms of constipation degree and satisfaction questionnaire. Methods : 42 patients were treated of the coffee enema 2 times a week. The constipation score(Constipation Assessment Scale) and frequency of defecation were checked 3 times (before treatment, 1 week and 1 month later). The satisfaction score was also checked 1 week and 1 month later. The interval differences of constipation score between pre- and post-treatment according to body mass index were also analyzed. Results and Conclusions : The constipation scores, frequency of defecation scores checked 1 week and 1 month later were significantly(p<0.01) improved as compared with those before the treatment. The satisfaction scores were close to 'moderately satisfied' 1 week and 1 month later. The scores of 6 parameters in constipation assessment scale, frequency of defecation scores and satisfaction scores were maintained until 1 month later. There was no significant difference in the change of constipation scores between normal BMI and overweight group. 4.2% of the patients reported adverse effects, which were nausea, abdominal distension each.