How Can Fecal Impaction Be Treated?

Hello, I understand your concern. Fecal impaction happens due to a few reasons. It usually occurs in people with long standing constipation and as a result of which have had to use laxatives for a long time. Dependence on laxatives creates what is known as lazy bowls , that is bowls who have forgot how to move on their own. A second reason for fecal impaction is sudden stopping of laxative usage. Another possible reason is an inactive lifestyle. Spending most of the time sitting or lying down does not provide enough incentive to the bowl to get moving. Chronic dehydration can also be a great contributor to this condition. Lastly, certain drugs such as narcotic pain medicine (i.e. codeine) and long term use of drugs used to treat diarrhea can also lead to fecal impaction. Treatment of fecal impaction consists of hand removal of the impacted mass. This is recommended to be performed by a professional in order to avoid any nerve or muscle damage to the area. The removal is done in steps. Small pieces are removed carefully to break down the mass. Between attempts, suppositories are given in order to facilitate the process. Sometimes warm mineral oil enemas are enough to relieve the impaction but this in not generally the case. If fecal impaction recurs often, even after removal of all causes, then going through a bowel retraining program is the sensible thing to do. This is includes diet changes, proper use of laxatives and stool softeners, changes in lifestyle and regular intake of fiber tablets. Wishing you all the best