How to Treat an Impacted Bowel in Children
Impacted bowel, or fecal impaction, is a condition in which a large, dry mass of stool becomes stuck in the rectum. Impacted bowel is usually the result of chronic constipation, and can be caused by the use of certain prescription drugs. There are several ways, however, that a child with an impacted bowel can be successfully treated.
Things You'll Need
- Liquids
- High-fiber foods
- Stool softener or laxative, as directed by doctor
Instructions
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Make sure that your child is getting adequate exercise. Exercise can help to make bowel movements more regular and can help to expel the mass.
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Encourage your child to drink often, at least one glass of liquid in the morning and four more throughout the day.
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Provide your child with foods that contain high levels of fiber, including whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, and bran. This can help to make the stool heavier, which can force out the mass.
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Ask the doctor about whether you should give your child a stool softener or laxative to help keep the stool maleable and make it easier to pass.
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Talk with your doctor about the pros and cons of manual extraction of the mass. If the mass isn't passed on its own, your doctor may need to manually break it up and remove it. In extreme cases, if bowel impaction has not been treated, surgery may be necessary to remove the mass.
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Tips & Warnings
To avoid future episodes of bowel impaction, encourage your child to continue eating high-fiber foods, exercising and drinking sufficient fluids. Also encourage him to use the bathroom as soon as he feels the need to do so.
Manual extraction of fecal matter carries risks of tearing or injuring the rectal tissue. Weigh the benefits and risks of this procedure before having your child undergo it.
