In some cases, a fecal impaction will have to be cleared by a healthcare professional. 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.
Another technique, known as distal washout, involves softening the stool with an enema or rectal suppository so it can be eliminated. 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. In rare cases, your doctor may use a sigmoidoscope to wash out the bowel with water and clear the impaction. (2,7)
Those experiencing pelvic floor dysfunction may benefit from physical therapy.
Medication Options
The following medications may be used to treat fecal impaction:
- Enemas
- Suppositories
- Oral laxatives
Alternative and Complementary Therapies
Fecal impaction can’t be solved by alternative or complementary therapies, but a study published in Evidenced-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that acupuncture and some herbal treatments, including the fiber supplement psyllium, eased chronic constipation, which, when left untreated, can lead to fecal impaction. (8)
Prevention of Fecal Impaction
After a fecal impaction has been treated and the rectum has been cleared of stool, it’s important to carefully follow a bowel retraining program to prevent another episode.
You'll probably be instructed to:
- Drink plenty of water.
- Eat sufficient amounts of fiber. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), adults should get 22 to 34 grams of fiber a day. (9) The exact amount depends on your sex and age.
- Use the bathroom regularly; when you feel the urge to defecate, don’t delay.
- Get regular exercise.
- Try bowel training, which involves conditioning yourself to pass stool at around the same time each day to avoid developing severe constipation again.
- Try Kegel exercises, which may help strengthen pelvic and rectal muscles.
- See a physical therapist if you’re experiencing pelvic floor dysfunction.
Occasionally using over-the-counter stool softeners or fiber supplements can help as well. But be aware that using laxatives too often can compound the problem, making it more difficult to pass stool.
FAQs
Fecal impaction is the result of constant constipation when poop is stuck inside of your rectum. Symptoms include pain or difficulty eating. Most common in the elderly, fecal impaction is preventable, and there are several treatment options available to alleviate the side effects.
What is the cause of fecal impaction? ›
The reason for fecal impaction is multifactorial and related to use of opiates, sphincter spasm, edema around the anal tissues, and a fear of going to the bathroom. In most mild cases, administration of an enema is sufficient; but in severe cases, one may need to perform manual disimpaction in the operating room.
What is the best treatment for impaction? ›
How do you soften an impacted stool quickly? To soften impacted stool quickly, you would most likely need to take an oral stool softener, use an anal suppository or enema, or do water irrigation.
How do you self diagnose fecal impaction? ›
Common symptoms include: Abdominal cramping and bloating. Leakage of liquid or sudden episodes of watery diarrhea in someone who has chronic (long-term) constipation. Rectal bleeding.
What are the signs and symptoms of fecal impaction quizlet? ›
Which finding is a sign or symptom of a fecal impaction? Rationale: Signs and symptoms of a fecal impaction include anorexia, constipation, rectal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and urinary frequency.
What is the best way to get rid of impacted stool? ›
The most common treatment for a fecal impaction is an enema, which is a special fluid that your doctor inserts into your rectum to soften your stool. An enema often makes you have bowel movements, so it's possible that you'll be able to push out the mass of stool on your own once it's been softened by the enema.
What is the fastest way to get rid of impaction? ›
In an emergency, a doctor may do this. In an enema, a person will insert a fluid into the rectum that softens the stool and makes it easier to push out. The fluid may be a saline solution or a solution of water and one of the following ingredients, depending on where the impaction is: docusate.
What simple trick empties your bowels immediately? ›
Home remedies include increasing your fiber intake or taking a laxative, using a suppository, or taking a stool softener. Trying out a squat position, doing light exercise, or performing a colonic massage may also help.
Can you treat faecal impaction at home? ›
When fecal impaction occurs, it's important to see a doctor. If left untreated, it can cause serious complications like bowel perforation or even death. Home treatments only increase the risk for this and may leave you susceptible to injuries of the anus and rectum.
How to clean out bowels quickly? ›
How can I clean my colon naturally?
- Hydration. Drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated is a great way to regulate digestion. ...
- Saltwater flush. You can also try a salt water flush. ...
- High fiber diet. ...
- Juices and smoothies. ...
- Juice fast. ...
- More resistant starches. ...
- Probiotics. ...
- Herbal teas.
Severe symptoms of fecal impaction include:
- Nausea.
- Dehydration.
- Worsening psychosis or confusion.
- Diarrhea. (It may seem odd, but you may pass watery stool around hardened poop that you can't pass.)
- Bleeding.
According to a 2023 overview of research , if a digital rectal examination does not reveal signs of fecal impaction, doctors may request an abdominal X-ray or CT scan to check for impaction or other issues higher up in the colon.
Will impacted stool eventually come out? ›
In some cases, a fecal impaction will have to be manually cleared by a healthcare professional. They'll use a gloved finger to sweep the stool out of the rectum. Enemas or oral solutions may also be used.
What are symptoms of poop blockage? ›
Symptoms
- Crampy abdominal pain that comes and goes.
- Loss of appetite.
- Constipation.
- Vomiting.
- Inability to have a bowel movement or pass gas.
- Swelling of the abdomen.
Fecal impaction usually causes abdominal discomfort similar to constipation, but more intense and for a longer period of time. Symptoms of fecal impaction include: Abdominal cramping. Abdominal discomfort.
How long does it take to clear faecal impaction in adults? ›
How long does it take to clear faecal impaction? After you start treatment, such as a laxative, a very watery poo should pass after 2-7 days. Do not carry on with treatment with laxatives for longer than 2 weeks, see your GP again.
What is the fastest laxative for impacted stool? ›
Relief within minutes. Rectal enemas and suppositories are the fastest acting laxatives available. These include saline and mineral oil enemas as well as glycerin and bisacodyl rectal suppositories. Common OTC products in this group include Fleet enema, Pedia-Lax, and the Magic Bullet.
How can I loosen my bowel blockage at home? ›
5 Home Remedies for Constipation
- Eat enough fiber. "The No. 1 thing I recommend is altering your diet," says Dr. Kalakota. ...
- Drink plenty of water. ...
- Exercise regularly. ...
- Use an osmotic laxative to help soften stool. ...
- Take a stimulant laxative for quicker relief. ...
- The signs it's time to see your doctor about constipation.
