SITZ BATH
Patient Counselling
Patient Counselling
The Sitz bath technique involves soaking of the pelvic and rectal area in warm water for a period of time in order to relieve pain, irritation and discomfort associated with hemorrhoids, anal fissures, or post operative pain. The bath may also aid in improvement of hygiene by cleaning the affected area, and reduces discomfort by relaxing local muscles. It is important to maintain water temperature at an adequate level in order to aid in muscle relaxation without leading to burns.
The Sitz bath technique can be performed in a standard bath tub or in a small commercially available bowl that can be placed under a toilet seat. The small bowl is generally preferred due to convenience and ease of use by patients. In general addition of any products to the Sitz bath water is not recommended due to a lack of proven benefit and the potential for local reactions.
In order to perform a Sitz bath in a standard bath tub, make sure that the tub is cleaned and disinfected. If using a bath tub, use of a rubber mat is recommended to reduce falls. You can place a rubber ring on the bottom of the tub to serve as a seat. Fill the tub until the level of the water would approximately reach the patient’s belly button when seated upright. Check the temperature of the water to ensure that it is 34-37°C. Have the patient sit in the bath on the rubber ring with an upright posture for 15-20 minutes, warm water may be added periodically to ensure maintenance of temperature.
If you are using a commercially available Sitz bath product, fill the bowl to the specified line with water, and check to ensure that the temperature is 34-37°C. Place the bowl under the toilet seat, clamp the tubing to block water flow and fill the irrigation bag with water of the same temperature. To allow for flow, hang the bag above the head on a hook or towel rack. Have the patient sit for 15-20 minutes and adjust irrigation flow to provide the most relief.
When the bath is completed have the patient stand up slowly and use grab bars and other aids if available. Due to prolonged immersion in warm water patients may feel dizzy and lightheaded. After use always inspect the rectal area to ensure no burning or irritation. Pat the area dry with a soft towel and avoid rubbing or friction.
The Sitz bath technique involves soaking of the pelvic and rectal area in warm water for a period of time in order to relieve pain, irritation and discomfort associated with hemorrhoids, anal fissures, or post operative pain. The bath may also aid in improvement of hygiene by cleaning the affected area, and reduces discomfort by relaxing local muscles. It is important to maintain water temperature at an adequate level in order to aid in muscle relaxation without leading to burns.
The Sitz bath technique can be performed in a standard bath tub or in a small commercially available bowl that can be placed under a toilet seat. The small bowl is generally preferred due to convenience and ease of use by patients. In general addition of any products to the Sitz bath water is not recommended due to a lack of proven benefit and the potential for local reactions.
In order to perform a Sitz bath in a standard bath tub, make sure that the tub is cleaned and disinfected. If using a bath tub, use of a rubber mat is recommended to reduce falls. You can place a rubber ring on the bottom of the tub to serve as a seat. Fill the tub until the level of the water would approximately reach the patient’s belly button when seated upright. Check the temperature of the water to ensure that it is 34-37°C. Have the patient sit in the bath on the rubber ring with an upright posture for 15-20 minutes, warm water may be added periodically to ensure maintenance of temperature.
If you are using a commercially available Sitz bath product, fill the bowl to the specified line with water, and check to ensure that the temperature is 34-37°C. Place the bowl under the toilet seat, clamp the tubing to block water flow and fill the irrigation bag with water of the same temperature. To allow for flow, hang the bag above the head on a hook or towel rack. Have the patient sit for 15-20 minutes and adjust irrigation flow to provide the most relief.
When the bath is completed have the patient stand up slowly and use grab bars and other aids if available. Due to prolonged immersion in warm water patients may feel dizzy and lightheaded. After use always inspect the rectal area to ensure no burning or irritation. Pat the area dry with a soft towel and avoid rubbing or friction.