Individuals who experience constipation are more at risk of fecal impaction, which is more severe.
When an individual experiences fecal impaction, they usually need treatment to pass the stool.
Treatment may include medications,enemas, procedures, or a combination.
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There are several risk factors for fecal impaction.
Several lifestyle factors and medical conditions increase the risk of fecal impaction.
Some populations, particularly elderly individuals in nursing homes, are at the highest risk.
Additionally, children and individuals withneuropsychiatric conditionsare also at higher risk of developing fecal impaction.
Fecal impaction can be a complication of constipation.
You will likely have other symptoms in addition to constipation.
The symptoms typically get worse the longer you go without a bowel movement.
Diagnosis
There are many causes of abdominal pain and cramping.
Fecal impaction may not be the apparent cause of your symptoms at first.
Initially, the symptoms may appear similar to abowel obstruction.
Most mild to moderate cases of fecal impaction can be treated with medication.
However, sometimes procedures such as digital disimpaction or surgical intervention are required.
Laxatives
Providers may recommendlaxativesfirst.
MiraLAX is considered anosmotic laxative, meaning that it draws water into your bowels to help soften stool.
It is best to remain where it’s possible for you to quickly get to a toilet.
However, this may not be a suitable treatment for some older people.
This should work more quickly than an oral laxative.
Once the fecal impaction is cleared, a provider may perform a colonic evaluation.
An evaluation can show if there are any structural abnormalities, strictures, or, rarely, cancer.
Also, ensuring individuals have easy access to the restroom whenever needed is essential.
Summary
Fecal impaction is a common, uncomfortable condition most frequent in the elderly.
It can often be prevented by ensuring adequate fiber intake, daily exercise, and drinking plenty of water.
These problems are more easily treated in the early stages, and early treatment may prevent serious complications.
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