Fecal Impaction
What is a Fecal Impaction?
Fecal impaction can be defined as the accumulation of hardened feces in the rectum or lower colon which the person cannot move. In other words, fecal impaction is a solid, immobile bulk of stool that can develop in the rectum as a result of constipation.
Symptoms of Fecal Impaction?
Some of the symptoms of fecal impaction include:
- Constipation
- Watery stool
- Rectal pain
- Abdominal cramping
- Nausea
Other symptoms for fecal impaction include frequent straining with passage of liquid or small, semi-formed stools or abdominal cramping and little discomfort.
Cause of Fecal Impaction?
People are at great risk for developing a chronic constipation, which can lead to fecal impaction.
There are several other different causes of fecal impaction. Some of the causes of fecal impaction involve:
- Inadequate consumption of fiber
- Inadequate consumption of fluids
- Pain relieving medications
- Antidepressant medication
- Antacids containing aluminum
- Excessive laxative use
- Kidney disease
- Cancer
- Heart disease
Can Fecal Impaction be treated?
If you have fecal impaction, your doctor may remove at least part of the fecal mass manually by using a lubricated, gloved finger inserted in the rectum. The rest of the mass usually can be removed with an enema, or by using water irrigation through a sigmoidoscope. Once the impacted stool is removed, your doctor will have you follow a high-fiber diet and may recommend a stool-softening medication or laxative to promote regular bowel movements.
Fecal Impaction can be treated manually by a doctor or physician. Medications can be used to prevent fecal impaction. In other cases, surgery may be the best option available to remove the fecal impaction. Other common ways to prevent fecal impaction are:
- Drinking plenty of water
- Eating fiber
- Avoid prolonged bed rest
- Exercise on a regular basis
Other therapy – The treatment of fecal impaction is aimed at removing the fecal impaction and a full-cycle program to maintain normal bowel function. Often process involves a warm mineral oil enema is used to soften and help lubricate the fecal impaction. However, enemas are not enough to remove a large, hardened impaction.
The mass may have to be manually broken up. A doctor will need to insert one or two fingers into the rectum and break up the mass into smaller pieces so that it can be removed.
Manual removal of a fecal impaction is usually performed in small steps to reduce the risk of injuring the rectal tissues.
How to prevent the Fecal Impaction?
Fecal impaction can be prevented by eating a normal and a well-balanced diet. This includes foods that are high in fiber as well as a fluid intake of at least 6 to 8 glasses each day. The urge to have a bowel movement should not be put off. Persons with chronic constipation are often given stool softeners, such as docusate, or enemas to prevent the problem to reoccur.
Prevention can be listed as follows:
Adequate amounts of fluid — for most healthy adults, this is the equivalent of six to eight glasses of water daily.
Regular exercise — as little as 20 minutes of brisk walking daily can help stimulates your bowels.
