How to Treat an Impacted Colon
Most people will experience constipation at some point in their lives. However, chronic constipation can be a sign of a more serious underlying problem called an impacted colon. An impacted colon occurs when dry hard stool blocks the rectum from being able to expel your feces out of the body.
Instructions
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Start an exercise routine. One of the best ways to help your body have smoother bowel movements, as well as help loosen a colon impaction, is to exercise. Even basic exercises involving the contraction of abdominal muscles can help with colon problems for those who are bedridden or confined to a wheelchair.
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Change your diet to one that is high in fiber. Fiber is a natural ingredient that helps encourage the movement and expelling of fecal matter from the colon. Drinking plenty of water is also important to help ensure that there is enough liquid in the body for the feces not to become too dry and hard.
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Try medication. If diet and exercise do not help, the next step is usually an over-the-counter or prescription medication. Stool softeners, glycerin tablets and laxatives may all be helpful in loosening and removing an impaction of the colon. They may also prevent future colon problems.
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Try an enema. A mineral oil enema may also be helpful in treating an impacted colon. The warm oil will help soften and lubricate the feces to help it exit the colon.
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Have the impaction manually removed. If an enema is not enough to remove the impaction, your doctor may have to manually remove the feces. This involves the doctor entering your rectum and manually breaking up the feces with their fingers. This may need to be done over several steps if the impaction is particularly large.
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Have the impaction surgically removed. Very rarely is surgery needed to remove an impaction of the colon. This is usually only done if the impaction has remained in the body too long, resulting in an overly stretched and damaged colon (megacolon). During surgery, part of the injured colon may also need to be removed.
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Tips & Warnings
To avoid impaction, always go to the bathroom as soon as you feel the urge to go. Do not wait.
You may be tempted to leave the impaction to resolve on its own. However, and impacted bowel can eventually cause the bowels to expand and stretch beyond their normal capacity causing more serious medical issues.
References
Resources
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