Fecal impaction: Difference between revisions
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{{SI}} | |||
{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Fecal impaction | |||
| image = [[File:Journal.pmed.1000092.g002_fecal_impaction.png|250px]] | |||
| caption = Radiograph showing fecal impaction | |||
| field = [[Gastroenterology]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Abdominal pain]], [[bloating]], [[nausea]], [[vomiting]], [[constipation]], [[diarrhea]] | |||
| complications = [[Bowel obstruction]], [[perforation]], [[ulceration]], [[fecal incontinence]] | |||
| onset = Gradual | |||
| duration = Variable | |||
| causes = [[Chronic constipation]], [[opioid use]], [[immobility]], [[dehydration]], [[neurological disorders]] | |||
| risks = [[Elderly]], [[bedridden]], [[neurological impairment]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Physical examination]], [[abdominal X-ray]], [[CT scan]] | |||
| differential = [[Bowel obstruction]], [[gastroenteritis]], [[irritable bowel syndrome]] | |||
| treatment = [[Manual disimpaction]], [[enema]], [[laxatives]], [[surgery]] | |||
| medication = [[Laxatives]], [[stool softeners]] | |||
| frequency = Common in [[elderly]] and [[hospitalized patients]] | |||
}} | |||
'''Fecal impaction''' is a severe bowel condition where a hard, dry mass of stool becomes stuck in the colon or rectum. This is often due to chronic constipation and can lead to severe complications if not treated promptly. | '''Fecal impaction''' is a severe bowel condition where a hard, dry mass of stool becomes stuck in the colon or rectum. This is often due to chronic constipation and can lead to severe complications if not treated promptly. | ||
== Causes == | == Causes == | ||
The primary cause of fecal impaction is [[chronic constipation]]. This can occur due to a variety of reasons, including a lack of fiber in the diet, insufficient fluid intake, lack of physical activity, certain medications, and certain medical conditions. | The primary cause of fecal impaction is [[chronic constipation]]. This can occur due to a variety of reasons, including a lack of fiber in the diet, insufficient fluid intake, lack of physical activity, certain medications, and certain medical conditions. | ||
== Symptoms == | == Symptoms == | ||
The symptoms of fecal impaction can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Common symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, and feeling the need to have a bowel movement but being unable to do so. In severe cases, fecal impaction can lead to nausea, vomiting, and even fecal incontinence. | The symptoms of fecal impaction can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Common symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, and feeling the need to have a bowel movement but being unable to do so. In severe cases, fecal impaction can lead to nausea, vomiting, and even fecal incontinence. | ||
== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
Diagnosis of fecal impaction typically involves a physical examination, including a rectal exam. In some cases, additional tests may be needed, such as an abdominal X-ray or a colonoscopy. | Diagnosis of fecal impaction typically involves a physical examination, including a rectal exam. In some cases, additional tests may be needed, such as an abdominal X-ray or a colonoscopy. | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
Treatment for fecal impaction involves removing the impacted stool. This can often be done at home using over-the-counter treatments such as stool softeners, enemas, or manual removal. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required. | Treatment for fecal impaction involves removing the impacted stool. This can often be done at home using over-the-counter treatments such as stool softeners, enemas, or manual removal. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required. | ||
== Prevention == | == Prevention == | ||
Prevention of fecal impaction involves maintaining a healthy diet high in fiber, drinking plenty of fluids, getting regular exercise, and avoiding medications that can cause constipation. | Prevention of fecal impaction involves maintaining a healthy diet high in fiber, drinking plenty of fluids, getting regular exercise, and avoiding medications that can cause constipation. | ||
== See also == | == See also == | ||
* [[Constipation]] | * [[Constipation]] | ||
* [[Bowel obstruction]] | * [[Bowel obstruction]] | ||
* [[Colonoscopy]] | * [[Colonoscopy]] | ||
[[Category:Gastroenterology]] | [[Category:Gastroenterology]] | ||
[[Category:Digestive diseases]] | [[Category:Digestive diseases]] | ||
[[Category:Medical conditions]] | [[Category:Medical conditions]] | ||
{{stub}} | {{stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 15:45, 6 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Fecal impaction | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | N/A |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea |
| Complications | Bowel obstruction, perforation, ulceration, fecal incontinence |
| Onset | Gradual |
| Duration | Variable |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Chronic constipation, opioid use, immobility, dehydration, neurological disorders |
| Risks | Elderly, bedridden, neurological impairment |
| Diagnosis | Physical examination, abdominal X-ray, CT scan |
| Differential diagnosis | Bowel obstruction, gastroenteritis, irritable bowel syndrome |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Manual disimpaction, enema, laxatives, surgery |
| Medication | Laxatives, stool softeners |
| Prognosis | N/A |
| Frequency | Common in elderly and hospitalized patients |
| Deaths | N/A |
Fecal impaction is a severe bowel condition where a hard, dry mass of stool becomes stuck in the colon or rectum. This is often due to chronic constipation and can lead to severe complications if not treated promptly.
Causes[edit]
The primary cause of fecal impaction is chronic constipation. This can occur due to a variety of reasons, including a lack of fiber in the diet, insufficient fluid intake, lack of physical activity, certain medications, and certain medical conditions.
Symptoms[edit]
The symptoms of fecal impaction can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Common symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, and feeling the need to have a bowel movement but being unable to do so. In severe cases, fecal impaction can lead to nausea, vomiting, and even fecal incontinence.
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of fecal impaction typically involves a physical examination, including a rectal exam. In some cases, additional tests may be needed, such as an abdominal X-ray or a colonoscopy.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment for fecal impaction involves removing the impacted stool. This can often be done at home using over-the-counter treatments such as stool softeners, enemas, or manual removal. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required.
Prevention[edit]
Prevention of fecal impaction involves maintaining a healthy diet high in fiber, drinking plenty of fluids, getting regular exercise, and avoiding medications that can cause constipation.
