Fecalith: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Fecalith | |||
| image = [[File:X-ray_showing_fecalith_which_has_caused_appendicitis.jpg]] | |||
| caption = X-ray showing a fecalith which has caused [[appendicitis]] | |||
| field = [[Gastroenterology]] | |||
| synonyms = Fecaloma, coprolith | |||
| symptoms = [[Abdominal pain]], [[nausea]], [[vomiting]], [[constipation]] | |||
| complications = [[Appendicitis]], [[bowel obstruction]] | |||
| onset = Variable | |||
| duration = Variable | |||
| causes = Accumulation of [[feces]] | |||
| risks = [[Dehydration]], [[low fiber diet]], [[sedentary lifestyle]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[X-ray]], [[CT scan]], [[ultrasound]] | |||
| differential = [[Gallstone]], [[kidney stone]], [[tumor]] | |||
| prevention = [[High fiber diet]], adequate [[hydration]], regular [[exercise]] | |||
| treatment = [[Laxatives]], [[enema]], [[surgery]] | |||
| frequency = Common | |||
}} | |||
[[File:AppendicolithPlainXray.png|Appendicolith Plain X-ray|thumb|left]] | |||
'''Fecalith''' is a hard, stony mass of feces in the intestinal tract. A fecalith can occur in the appendix, and is a common cause of [[appendicitis]]. This condition can also occur in the colon and can cause [[diverticulitis]]. | '''Fecalith''' is a hard, stony mass of feces in the intestinal tract. A fecalith can occur in the appendix, and is a common cause of [[appendicitis]]. This condition can also occur in the colon and can cause [[diverticulitis]]. | ||
== Causes == | == Causes == | ||
Fecaliths are caused by a buildup of waste material in the intestines. This can occur due to a variety of reasons, including chronic [[constipation]], a low-fiber diet, and certain medical conditions that slow down the movement of food through the digestive tract. | Fecaliths are caused by a buildup of waste material in the intestines. This can occur due to a variety of reasons, including chronic [[constipation]], a low-fiber diet, and certain medical conditions that slow down the movement of food through the digestive tract. | ||
== Symptoms == | == Symptoms == | ||
The symptoms of a fecalith can vary depending on its location. If the fecalith is in the appendix, it can cause symptoms of appendicitis, such as abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. If the fecalith is in the colon, it can cause symptoms of diverticulitis, such as abdominal pain, fever, and changes in bowel habits. | The symptoms of a fecalith can vary depending on its location. If the fecalith is in the appendix, it can cause symptoms of appendicitis, such as abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. If the fecalith is in the colon, it can cause symptoms of diverticulitis, such as abdominal pain, fever, and changes in bowel habits. | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
Treatment for a fecalith typically involves removing the fecalith and treating the underlying condition that caused it. This can often be done through surgery. In some cases, medication may be used to help break down the fecalith and make it easier to pass. | Treatment for a fecalith typically involves removing the fecalith and treating the underlying condition that caused it. This can often be done through surgery. In some cases, medication may be used to help break down the fecalith and make it easier to pass. | ||
== Prevention == | == Prevention == | ||
Preventing fecaliths involves maintaining a healthy diet high in fiber, drinking plenty of water, and regular physical activity. In some cases, medication may be prescribed to help prevent constipation and the formation of fecaliths. | Preventing fecaliths involves maintaining a healthy diet high in fiber, drinking plenty of water, and regular physical activity. In some cases, medication may be prescribed to help prevent constipation and the formation of fecaliths. | ||
== See also == | == See also == | ||
* [[Appendicitis]] | * [[Appendicitis]] | ||
* [[Diverticulitis]] | * [[Diverticulitis]] | ||
* [[Constipation]] | * [[Constipation]] | ||
[[Category:Gastroenterology]] | [[Category:Gastroenterology]] | ||
[[Category:Digestive diseases]] | [[Category:Digestive diseases]] | ||
[[Category:Medical terminology]] | [[Category:Medical terminology]] | ||
{{stub}} | {{stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 15:40, 6 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD's medical weight loss NYC, sleep center NYC
Philadelphia medical weight loss and Philadelphia sleep clinics
| Fecalith | |
|---|---|
| File:X-ray showing fecalith which has caused appendicitis.jpg | |
| Synonyms | Fecaloma, coprolith |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation |
| Complications | Appendicitis, bowel obstruction |
| Onset | Variable |
| Duration | Variable |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Accumulation of feces |
| Risks | Dehydration, low fiber diet, sedentary lifestyle |
| Diagnosis | X-ray, CT scan, ultrasound |
| Differential diagnosis | Gallstone, kidney stone, tumor |
| Prevention | High fiber diet, adequate hydration, regular exercise |
| Treatment | Laxatives, enema, surgery |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | N/A |
| Frequency | Common |
| Deaths | N/A |
Fecalith is a hard, stony mass of feces in the intestinal tract. A fecalith can occur in the appendix, and is a common cause of appendicitis. This condition can also occur in the colon and can cause diverticulitis.
Causes[edit]
Fecaliths are caused by a buildup of waste material in the intestines. This can occur due to a variety of reasons, including chronic constipation, a low-fiber diet, and certain medical conditions that slow down the movement of food through the digestive tract.
Symptoms[edit]
The symptoms of a fecalith can vary depending on its location. If the fecalith is in the appendix, it can cause symptoms of appendicitis, such as abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. If the fecalith is in the colon, it can cause symptoms of diverticulitis, such as abdominal pain, fever, and changes in bowel habits.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment for a fecalith typically involves removing the fecalith and treating the underlying condition that caused it. This can often be done through surgery. In some cases, medication may be used to help break down the fecalith and make it easier to pass.
Prevention[edit]
Preventing fecaliths involves maintaining a healthy diet high in fiber, drinking plenty of water, and regular physical activity. In some cases, medication may be prescribed to help prevent constipation and the formation of fecaliths.
