If your poop is too big to come out and hurts, you may have a condition called fecal impaction. Fecal impaction is a blockage of the rectum or colon caused by hard, dry stool. It can be a very painful condition, and it can lead to serious complications if not treated.
Symptoms of fecal impaction
The main symptom of fecal impaction is difficulty passing stool. Other symptoms may include:
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Nausea and vomiting
- Bloating and gas
- A feeling of fullness in the rectum
- Bleeding from the rectum
- Fever
Causes of fecal impaction
There are a number of things that can cause fecal impaction, including:
- Constipation
- Dehydration
- A diet low in fiber
- Certain medications, such as pain relievers and antidepressants
- Neurological disorders, such as spinal cord injury and multiple sclerosis
- Immobility
- Pelvic floor dysfunction
Treatment for fecal impaction
If you think you may have fecal impaction, it is important to see a doctor right away. The doctor will examine you and ask you about your medical history and symptoms. They may also order tests, such as a digital rectal exam or X-ray.
Once the doctor has diagnosed fecal impaction, they will recommend treatment. Treatment options may include:
- Enema: An enema is a liquid solution that is inserted into the rectum to soften stool and make it easier to pass.
- Digital rectal exam: The doctor may manually remove stool from the rectum.
- Laxatives: The doctor may prescribe laxatives to help soften stool and make it easier to pass.
- Manual disimpaction: The doctor may manually dislodge the stool and help you pass it.
Prevention of fecal impaction
There are a number of things you can do to prevent fecal impaction, including:
- Eat a high-fiber diet.
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Exercise regularly.
- Respond to the urge to have a bowel movement right away.
- Avoid straining when passing stool.
- If you are taking medications that can cause constipation, talk to your doctor about ways to reduce your risk.
If you have any concerns about your bowel movements, be sure to talk to your doctor.
Fecal impaction
Fecal impaction is a blockage of the rectum or colon caused by hard, dry stool. It can be a very painful condition, and it can lead to serious complications if not treated.
Symptoms of fecal impaction
The main symptom of fecal impaction is difficulty passing stool. Other symptoms may include:
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Nausea and vomiting
- Bloating and gas
- A feeling of fullness in the rectum
- Bleeding from the rectum
- Fever
Causes of fecal impaction
There are a number of things that can cause fecal impaction, including:
- Constipation
- Dehydration
- A diet low in fiber
- Certain medications, such as pain relievers and antidepressants
- Neurological disorders, such as spinal cord injury and multiple sclerosis
- Immobility
- Pelvic floor dysfunction
Treatment for fecal impaction
If you think you may have fecal impaction, it is important to see a doctor right away. The doctor will examine you and ask you about your medical history and symptoms. They may also order tests, such as a digital rectal exam or X-ray.
Once the doctor has diagnosed fecal impaction, they will recommend treatment. Treatment options may include:
- Enema: An enema is a liquid solution that is inserted into the rectum to soften stool and make it easier to pass.
- Digital rectal exam: The doctor may manually remove stool from the rectum.
- Laxatives: The doctor may prescribe laxatives to help soften stool and make it easier to pass.
- Manual disimpaction: The doctor may manually dislodge the stool and help you pass it.
Prevention of fecal impaction
There are a number of things you can do to prevent fecal impaction, including:
- Eat a high-fiber diet.
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Exercise regularly.
- Respond to the urge to have a bowel movement right away.
- Avoid straining when passing stool.
- If you are taking medications that can cause constipation, talk to your doctor about ways to reduce your risk.
Complications of fecal impaction
If fecal impaction is not treated, it can lead to a number of complications, including:
- Hemorrhoids
- Fissures (tears in the lining of the rectum)
- Rectal prolapse (a condition in which the rectum protrudes from the anus)
- Perforation of the colon (a hole in the colon)
- Sepsis (a life-threatening infection)
If you have any concerns about your bowel movements, be sure to talk to your doctor.
Additional information
Fecal impaction is more common in older adults and people with disabilities. It is also more common in people who are bedridden or have difficulty moving around.
If you are at risk for fecal impaction, it is important to talk to your doctor about ways to prevent it. Your doctor may recommend a diet and exercise plan, and they may also prescribe medications to help keep your stool soft.
If you develop fecal impaction, it is important to see a doctor right away. Fecal impaction can be a very painful condition, and it can lead to serious complications if not treated.