About this topic
Fecal impaction is a health issue where dry, hardened stool is stuck in the rectum and you are not passing stool as often as usual. A person may have this problem after having constipation for a long time. ‚
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What can make this more likely to happen?
You are more likely to have a fecal impaction if you are constipated. Things that raise your risk for hard stools raise your risk for an impaction. ‚
- People who do not eat very much fiber are more likely to be constipated. So are those who do not drink enough liquids.
- Some people use a laxative very often. This can cause the muscles in your bowels to forget how to work on their own, especially if you stop taking the laxatives suddenly.
- People who do not move around very much are at risk for hard stools. This includes people who spend much of the day in bed or a chair. It also includes people who may have a nerve or brain disease.
- Some drugs can make you more likely to be constipated. Some of them are drugs for low mood, pain, and heartburn.
- Certain diseases may make you more likely to have problems passing stool. Some of them are kidney and heart disease and cancer.
What are the main signs?
- Belly cramps
- Bloated feeling
- Bleeding in the rectum
- Watery stool
- Trouble passing stool
- Faintness while passing stool
- Pain in your lower back
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will take your history and will do an exam. Your doctor may feel your belly area for soreness and hardness. The doctor may feel your rectum using his fingers. Your doctor may find that there is a collection of stool stuck in your rectum. ‚
The doctor may order: ‚
- X-ray
- Colonoscopy to rule out colon or rectal cancer
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
- Your doctor may have to remove a part of the hardened stool by hand. The doctor will use a lubricated glove and put one or two fingers into your rectum. The doctor will break the stool into small pieces so that it can come out easily.
- An enema may be used to soften and lubricate the rest of the stool. This will help remove it more easily.
- Surgery is rarely needed to treat this health issue.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain
- Soften the stool
- Cause bowel movements
What problems could happen?
- Tear or injury to rectal tissues
- Hemorrhoids
- Belly pain, upset stomach, and throwing up
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Eat food rich in fiber like whole grains, vegetables, and fruits.
- Drink lots of fluids, 6 to 8 glasses of water daily.
- Your doctor may teach you how start a bowel movement using digital stimulation.
- If you are feeling the urge, do not delay passing your stool.
- Exercise often.
- Ask your doctor if you need a bowel retraining program.
- Take stool softeners and laxatives the right way.
Where can I learn more?
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse ‚
http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/constipation ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚