Impacted colon, also known as fecal impaction, occurs when stool becomes hard and dry and is difficult to eliminate from the rectum. As the impaction worsens, it may cause symptoms such as small stools, straining during bowel movements and rectal bleeding. Understanding the causes of an impacted colon can help those at risk to make lifestyle changes that can prevent this uncomfortable condition.
Chronic Constipation
Chronic constipation is the major cause of an impacted colon. Recurrent bouts of constipation can cause stool to remain in the rectum, where it becomes dry and hard. This leads to an impacted colon. Chronic constipation can be prevented by drinking plenty of water, eating a diet that includes adequate fiber, getting regular exercise and getting enough sleep each night. When lifestyle changes to not prevent constipation, a mild laxative may be recommended for a short duration.
Limited Mobility
Limited mobility caused by diseases of the nerves and muscles, paralysis or age can cause an impacted colon. The lack of physical activity performed by people with limited mobility can lead to constipation. This condition occurs when stool moves through the colon slowly or when too much water is drawn out by the colon. This makes the stools hard and dry, leading to an impacted colon. Those with limited mobility may be prescribed stool softeners to keep stool moving through the digestive tract and prevent it from hardening and becoming dry.
Antidiarrheal Drugs
Antidiarrheal drugs work to stop diarrhea, but they can also lead to an impacted bowel. Loperamide slows the passage of stool through the digestive tract, allowing time for the excess water and salts to be absorbed by the body. Bismuth subsalicylate, found in Pepto-Bismol, decreases the amount of fluid that is secreted into the intestine. While these are effective methods of stopping diarrhea, they can also result in constipation. Slowing the passage of stool through the digestive system allows the colon to absorb more water, which can lead to an impacted bowel. Removing water from the stool can make it hard and dry, causing an impacted bowel.
Narcotics
Narcotic pain relievers are known for causing constipation, which can eventually lead to an impacted bowel. Narcotic drugs slow the passage of stool through the intestine, allowing the stool to dry out and harden. Once this occurs, it can become impacted in the rectum and cause and impacted bowel. People taking narcotics should eat plenty of fiber, exercise regularly and drink plenty of liquids. Once a course of narcotics has been completed, bowel movements should return to normal.
Anticholinergics
Anticholinergic drugs (such as Pamine or Librax) have an antispasmodic effect and can be used to treat intestinal cramping. Because these drugs reduce the amount of muscle movement in the intestines, the time it takes to pass stool through the digestive tract is increased. This allows the colon to absorb excess water from the stool and makes the stool hard and dry. Patients taking anticholinergic drugs for irritable bowel syndrome or related conditions should report an impacted bowel to a physician. Mild laxatives may be prescribed to break up the impaction and restore normal bowel functioning.
Methadone
Because methadone is similar to narcotic pain relievers in how it works, constipation is a frequent side effect of methadone therapy. When constipation becomes recurrent, there is an opportunity for an impacted bowel to develop. Patients taking methadone should get a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise each day, which promotes the passage of stool through the intestines. Drinking plenty of water and eating foods that are high in fiber can also help to prevent an impacted bowel.
