
Is It Usual For Rectum To Become Infected After Passing Hard Stool?

Question: Hi,
I had a case of very hard stool today, which could not pass through. In the end, I was forced to digitally remove part of it to allow eventual passage.
However, I am not sure if I scraped or injured the rectum/anus with use of the fingernails. How do I tell if this has happened and would there be risk of infection? Also, could the very hard stool have injured the surface of the rectum and how would I know if that became infected?
Is it usual for the rectum/anus to become infected?
Thanks.
I had a case of very hard stool today, which could not pass through. In the end, I was forced to digitally remove part of it to allow eventual passage.
However, I am not sure if I scraped or injured the rectum/anus with use of the fingernails. How do I tell if this has happened and would there be risk of infection? Also, could the very hard stool have injured the surface of the rectum and how would I know if that became infected?
Is it usual for the rectum/anus to become infected?
Thanks.
Brief Answer:
Not a case for infection...
Detailed Answer:
Hi there,
Using your finger to help bowel movements is not advised. However, in your case, I do not see any high risk for infection. You can use rectal cream to ease healing and prevent infection. I advise not to repeat it in the future for your own good.
If you find it difficult to pass the motion, I advise to use rectal enema.
I also advise to make some changes in your daily diet and lifestyle regimen to ease your bowel movements.
All the best!
Dr.Klerida
Do write me back if you have further questions!
Not a case for infection...
Detailed Answer:
Hi there,
Using your finger to help bowel movements is not advised. However, in your case, I do not see any high risk for infection. You can use rectal cream to ease healing and prevent infection. I advise not to repeat it in the future for your own good.
If you find it difficult to pass the motion, I advise to use rectal enema.
I also advise to make some changes in your daily diet and lifestyle regimen to ease your bowel movements.
All the best!
Dr.Klerida
Do write me back if you have further questions!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar


Thanks Dr. Klerida,
I will try to make the diet changes to prevent problems.
However, in case of problems, would the use of laxatives like Movicol which result in fluid passing through the bowels and soften the stool be useful in future?
Also, do you have an recommendations for the stool softeners if needed in future?
Thanks.
I will try to make the diet changes to prevent problems.
However, in case of problems, would the use of laxatives like Movicol which result in fluid passing through the bowels and soften the stool be useful in future?
Also, do you have an recommendations for the stool softeners if needed in future?
Thanks.
Brief Answer:
Advised to drink plenty of water
Detailed Answer:
Hi back,
Yes, the use of laxatives like Movicol or Colace would help soften the stool.
It is very important to drink plenty of water (more than 2 liters/day) and to implement the diet changes as mentioned earlier. Do not rely only on stool softeners.
Dr.Klerida
If it answered to your question at your satisfaction, kindly rate my answer while closing this thread. If you have further queries, do not hesitate to write me back.
Advised to drink plenty of water
Detailed Answer:
Hi back,
Yes, the use of laxatives like Movicol or Colace would help soften the stool.
It is very important to drink plenty of water (more than 2 liters/day) and to implement the diet changes as mentioned earlier. Do not rely only on stool softeners.
Dr.Klerida
If it answered to your question at your satisfaction, kindly rate my answer while closing this thread. If you have further queries, do not hesitate to write me back.
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Answered by

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
