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Fecal impaction is a digestive condition where a hard mass of stool becomes stuck in the colon or rectum. It usually occurs after constipation where a person fails to pass the regular stool, and stool starts to back up in the colon.
Normally, when you eat something, the digestive system breaks the complex food into simpler nutrients. The walls of the digestive tract absorb these nutrients while the waste flows towards the rectum. However, when your diet results in hard stools, they can get stuck in the digestive tract and lead to fecal impaction.
Treatment of fecal impaction is possible with the help of home remedies, medications, and surgery. You can also prevent this uncomfortable condition by making specific dietary and lifestyle changes.
Fecal impaction is a common condition in elderly people, and estimates suggest that50% of elderly people in nursing homes experience this condition.
In the majority of fecal impaction cases, constipation is the primary cause. So, the initial symptoms that you may experience with fecal impaction are mostly constipation-related. As the blockage continues and the condition gets worse, you may start to experience severe symptoms.
Here is a list of symptoms that you may experience with fecal impaction:
Many people mistake fecal impaction for constipation but both conditions are different. Constipation is defined asfewer bowel movements than usual — less than 3 bowel movements a week. The hard stool you pass during constipation results in straining during the bowel movement.
When this hard stool gets stuck somewhere in the colon, and a person fails to pass it, this condition is called fecal impaction. This condition is itself a complication of constipation. In some cases, fecal impaction is caused by a medical condition where yournerves fail to contract the muscles in the bowel.
When suffering from fecal impaction, you may experience similar symptoms to constipation but with more severity. Treatment is possible for both conditions through medications and other options. You can prevent fecal impaction by preventing constipation, which is possible by eating adequate fiber in the diet, staying hydrated, and being physically active.
Constipation is the primary cause of fecal impaction so the causes of constipation can also lead to fecal impaction. Here are some common factors that can cause constipation and may lead to fecal impaction:
Studies show that a diet rich in processed foods and low in fiber can cause constipation. A2022 study shows that fiber supplements can improve constipation and its related complications. Fiber is important for digestive health, and it improves the consistency and flow of stool in the colon.
Adequate hydration is essential for soft stool formation and preventing constipation.Studies show that dehydration can lead to the formation of hard stools, which causes constipation and related complications, such as fecal impaction.
Differentmedical conditions involving the digestive system can also cause constipation and fecal impaction. These includeirritable bowel syndrome (IBS), pelvic floor muscle coordination defects, and intestinal obstructions.Studies also show that some neurological conditions, including Parkinson’s disease and stroke, are among the causes of constipation.
Some over-the-counter painkillers and blood pressure-regulating medications can also cause constipation. If you eat a low-fiber diet along with these medications, you may increase your risk of developing fecal impaction.
Unlike regular constipation which can be treated at home, fecal impaction is a medical emergency in most cases. It happens when a hard stool gets stuck in the colon or rectum, and the body cannot pass it naturally.
If not treated in time, it can cause serious complications like severe pain, infection, rectal bleeding, or even bowel damage.Reports show that fecal impaction can be fatal in some cases if not managed on time. We recommend you see a doctor immediately after you suspect fecal impaction. This will help avoid these complications and get proper treatment.
The process of removing impacted stool is calleddisimpaction. There are many ways to remove the impacted stool, and the most common include:
The method of manually removing the impacted stool is effective when it is near the rectum. The doctor inserts the gloved finger inside the rectum to reach the hard stool and release it. After the hard stool is released from the impacted area, a gentle massage can help release the stool outside the body.
Enema is the most common method for releasing impacted stool. This method involves introducing a special fluid into the rectum, which softens the impacted stool. After this, a person can release the impacted stool in a regular bowel movement.
In some cases, the enema alone isn’t sufficient to release the impacted stool outside the body, and the manual removal method is also required.
If the manual removal method and enema don’t work, the doctor may recommend oral laxatives to release the impacted stool. These medications can soften the impacted stool and make it easy to pass with a bowel movement. The most common oral laxatives used for this purpose are polyethylene glycol (PEG) and bisacodyl.
In severe cases of fecal impaction, when the impacted stool results in a tear in the colon and causes bleeding or infection, doctors prefer surgery to remove the impacted stool and stop the bleeding or infection. However, surgery for fecal impaction is rarely needed as the above mentioned treatment options can release the impacted stool in most of the cases.
Fecal impaction is a painful condition, and it can be fatal for some people. Fortunately, you can prevent or lower the risk of fecal impaction with the help of certain dietary and lifestyle changes.
When planning a diet to prevent fecal impaction, you need to consider the fact that constipation is the main cause of developing fecal impaction. Your diet should focus on foods that soften the stool and improve gut motility while also being a great nutritional source.
Here are some foods that you should be eating to prevent fecal impaction:
Studies show that fiber can add volumes to stool, making it soft and easier to pass. A2023 study shows that fiber improves bowel movement frequency, reducing the risk of constipation.
Here is a list of some fiber-rich foods to incorporate in your diet:
Another convenient way to incorporate fiber into your diet is toget powdered fiber. With the help of powdered fiber, you can calculate your dosage easily and take fiber on the go.
Dehydration can lead to the formation of hard stools, increasing the risk of developing constipation. Adequate water intake should be your first step in managing dehydration, but hydrating foods can also help significantly.
Here are some hydrating foods that also provide fiber and other healthy nutrients:
Some foods are called natural laxatives as they can prevent constipation by softening stool or promoting bowel movements. Such foods often contain fiber, water, or oils that lubricate the intestines, making it easier for the stool to pass. For example, a2022 study shows that prune juice is effective in formation of normal stools and relieving constipation.
Common examples of natural laxatives to prevent fecal impaction are:
Probiotics are healthy bacteria that supportgut health and improve the digestive process. A2022 study shows that probiotics can also reduce constipation-related symptoms by improving stool consistency and gut motility.
Here are some probiotic foods to support gut health and prevent fecal impaction:
When your goal is to prevent fecal impaction, you need to avoid specific foods in your diet that can cause hard stool formation and constipation. Here are some foods that you must avoid to prevent fecal impaction:
Processed foods like chips, cookies, and frozen meals are low in fiber.Studies show that a low-fiber diet increases the risk of constipation. Eating these foods on a regular basis can lead to hard, dry stools, increasing the risk of fecal impaction.
Processed foods are also high in unhealthy fats and salt, which can slow down bowel movements and increase the risk of constipation. A2024 study shows that consumption ofultra-processed foods rich in unhealthy fats and salts increases the odds of developing constipation.
Fatty portions of meat are high in fat and low in fiber which slows digestion. Such meat can stay in the digestive system longer, contributing to constipation. Consuming large portions of fatty meat or eating it frequently can increase the chances of fecal impaction. Replacing fatty meat withplant-based proteins improves digestive health and reduces the risk of constipation.
Fried foods like French fries and fried chicken are high in unhealthy fats, which can slow digestion and lead to constipation. They lack fiber and essential nutrients, making them a poor choice for gut health. Regular consumption of such foods can lead to hard stool formation, increasing the risk of fecal impaction.
Refined grains, such as white bread, white rice, and pasta, don't contain any fiber since the fiber portion is removed during refining. Without fiber, these foods can slow down digestion and lead to constipation. Replacing refined grains with whole grains, like brown rice or whole wheat bread, supports regular bowel movements.
Lifestyle modifications that can help you prevent fecal impaction are:
Drinking plenty of water softens the stool, which can pass through the digestive system easily.Experts recommend drinking at least 8 glasses of water for adults to avoid dehydration and related complications.
Studies show that moderate physical activity supports gut motility and prevents constipation. You can perform yoga, light walking, or running to support gut motility.
Don’t wait for long after you feel the urge and try to maintain a consistent schedule for bowel movements. When you delay the bowel movement, the stool can build up and increase the risk of fecal impaction.
Using laxatives excessively can lower the natural ability of the intestine to move stool. You must use such medications only when your doctor prescribes them.
Fecal impaction is an uncomfortable condition that occurs when a hard mass of stool gets trapped in the colon. It can be fatal in some cases and constipation is the primary cause of it.
Different treatment options are available to release the impacted stool, including manual removal, enema, oral laxatives, and surgery. Dietary changes are most important in this condition. Incorporating fiber-rich foods in your diet can promote regular bowel movement and prevent constipation. Lifestyle habits such as proper hydration, regular physical activity, and establishing a bathroom routine also help in preventing constipation and fecal impaction.