Fecal impaction is not to be taken lightly. It is a result of extreme constipation and if left untreated, you may eventually need surgery. If you have the following symptoms you need to consult your doctor at the earliest:
- Sudden, runny diarrhea in a person who usually has chronic constipation.
- Frequent straining with liquid or small, ill-formed stools.
- Abdominal cramping and abdominal discomfort.
One of the first things to try is a suppository or an enema. If the impaction is not too severe and major blockage is cleared in this way you can try the following remedies for constipation to prevent a recurrence of the problem:
- Get lots of fluids. Ideally drink water instead of sugary beverages or caffeinated ones.
- Try and cut down on refined and processed foods. Reduce your intake of dairy products as dairy can cause constipation
- Include 5-9 servings of fresh fruit and vegetables in your diet. Eat a big bowl of salad with at least one meal of the day
- Switch to whole grain wheat and multi grain cereals.
- Get moderate amounts of exercise every day. This stimulates the bowels.
- Try a natural fiber supplement called psyllium husk.
- Try and visit the loo as soon as you feel the urge to go. If you control the urge you may lose it altogether. Try and associate a certain time of the day with bowel movements.
- Avoid straining. This may cause you to develop haemorrhoids or anal fissures.
That said, I would still recommend that you speak to your doctor as soon as you can and not wait for the problem to get worse.
answered by S E