What is an Impacted Bowel?
An impacted bowel, also known as fecal impaction, occurs when stool becomes very hard and dry and is unable to pass through the colon or rectum. This can lead to a blockage, preventing new waste from exiting the body.
What Causes an Impacted Bowel?
The primary cause of an impacted bowel is chronic constipation. Factors contributing to constipation include medication side effects, insufficient nutrient intake, dehydration, lack of fiber, illnesses like diabetes or thyroid disease, and complications from surgery. Other causes may include neurological conditions that affect bowel movements.
What are the Symptoms of an Impacted Bowel?
Symptoms include:
- Abdominal pain.
- Bloating.
- A feeling of fullness.
- Nausea.
- Vomiting.
- Headache.
- Unexplained weight loss, and a leakage of liquid stool.
Severe cases can lead to rapid heart rate, dehydration, fever, confusion, and incontinence.
How is Impacted Bowel Diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination and may include:
- Digital rectal examination
- Abdominal imaging like X-rays or CT scans
- Colonoscopy to visualize the extent of the impaction.
How is Impacted Bowel Treated?
Treatment aims to remove the impaction and may involve the use of laxatives, enemas, manual removal of stool, and in severe cases, surgery.
