Intestinal blockage caused by hardened fecal matter: Signs, origin, and remedies
Fecal impaction is a serious condition that occurs when hardened stools accumulate in the colon or rectum, causing a blockage. This condition can lead to a range of uncomfortable and potentially dangerous symptoms.
Symptoms of fecal impaction include severe and unmanageable diarrhea, swelling of the rectum, rectal pain, abdominal swelling and hardening, inability to have a bowel movement despite an intense need, and fecal incontinence. Other symptoms may include numbness or bleeding around the anus, headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, general feeling of being unwell, and lower back pain.
Common causes of fecal impaction include constipation, insufficient fluid intake, lack of dietary fiber, lack of physical activity, excessive use of certain medications, and certain medical conditions such as hemorrhoids, digestive issues, kidney disease, heart disease, and cancer.
Untreated fecal impaction can lead to several serious long-term complications, including chronic constipation, fecal incontinence, rectal ulceration and pressure sores, bowel obstruction, megacolon, anal fissures and hemorrhoids, infection and sepsis, bladder dysfunction, and in some cases, death.
Diagnosis of fecal impaction involves a physical examination and may include checking for abdominal distension, palpating the abdomen, performing a digital rectal examination, and requesting an abdominal X-ray or CT scan if necessary.
Treatment for fecal impaction varies depending on the severity of the condition. In some cases, doctors may administer an oral laxative, such as polyethylene glycol (MiraLAX). Manual disimpaction, where the impacted stool is gently removed with lubricated fingers, and enemas, where water and stool softener are flushed into the rectum to soften the impacted stool, are also common treatments. In severe cases, a person may require lower gastrointestinal or rectal surgery to remove the fecal impaction, which may need anesthesia.
To reduce the risk of fecal impactions, it's recommended to drink plenty of water, eat high fiber foods, take fiber supplements, reduce sugary foods, exercise regularly, avoid long periods of physical inactivity, avoid long-term use of laxatives without a prescription, and ask a doctor about the potential side effects of certain medications.
Anyone who experiences symptoms of fecal impaction should contact a doctor promptly for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Prompt treatment and addressing underlying causes are important to prevent these complications. If you suspect fecal impaction, seeking medical evaluation is advised.
