The symptoms can be so severe that you may require emergency treatment, according to Harvard Health.
The problem often occurs in children, and, especially, in people who live in nursing homes.
(You may hear your doctor refer to the condition as encopresis.)
(5)
There are other potential causes.
They include: (3,4)
How Is Fecal Impaction Diagnosed?
If you suspect you have fecal impaction, see your doctor.
In addition, you may also need blood work, or procedures such as aCT scan.
One issue, though, is that fecal impaction can recur if constipation continues.
Duration of Fecal Impaction
Once treated, fecal impaction goes away quickly.
They will use a gloved finger to sweep all the stool that can be reached out of the rectum.
This is known as manual disimpaction.
Or your doctor might prescribe an oral solution of polyethylene glycol or an oral laxative made of magnesium citrate.
You might receive one of these three treatments or some combination of them.
(2,7)
Those experiencing pelvic floor dysfunction may benefit from physical therapy.
You’ll probably be instructed to:
Occasionally using over-the-counter stool softeners or fiber supplements can help as well.
These complications may include: (4,7)
Research and Statistics: Who Has Fecal Impaction?
Black Americans and Fecal Impaction
There are few studies on race and the prevalence of fecal impaction.
(7,12) Fecal impaction can also causeurinary incontinenceor fecal incontinence.
Common Questions & Answers
Once treated, fecal impaction goes away quickly.
(Chronic laxative use may cause constipation, so consult with a healthcare provider before using them.)
Fecal impaction can be treated quickly.
But it can recur if constipation continues, particularly in elderly or sedentary people.
You and your doctor can discuss diet and lifestyle changes that can help you stay regular.
To prevent recurrence, drink plenty of water, eat fiber-rich foods, and stay active.
Resources We Trust
Ira Daniel Breite, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist.
Working in city hospitals helped him become resourceful and taught him how to interact with people from different backgrounds.
Derrow also covers health for New York Presbyterian/Weill-Cornell Hospital in New York City.
She has ghost edited a number of health books and health-related memoirs.
References
Sources
Digestive Health
Is It Gas Pain or Something Else?
Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
How Does the Digestive System Work?
Tenesmus: The Troubling Symptom You Cant Ignore
What Is Rectal Prolapse?
What Is Rectal Bleeding?
