An impacted colon is the presence of hard, dry stool in the rectum. This condition is also known as a fecal impaction. There are several signs of an impacted colon that give health professionals the information they need to make an accurate diagnosis and develop a treatment plan. An impacted colon can often be remedied with lifestyle changes.
Rectal Bleeding
Rectal bleeding can be a sign of an impacted colon because the hard stool can tear rectal tissues as it exits the body. There may be bright red blood in the toilet or on toilet tissue after having a bowel movement if an impaction is present. Because rectal bleeding can also be a sign of other serious medical conditions, it should not be ignored. Report rectal bleeding to a medical professional so that proper medical care can be provided.
Small Bowel Movements
Because an impaction blocks the rectum with dried-out stool, the passageway is too narrow for normal-sized bowel movements to exit the body. Stool that is able to make it through the entire digestive system must move past the impaction, which can cause it to leave the body in small pieces. These pieces may be only semi-formed because of the blockage. If stools are hard and semi-formed, increased physical activity and fiber intake can help to clear up the impaction and allow a return to normal bowel habits.
Diarrhea
When an impaction becomes severe, it completely blocks the rectum and does not allow formed stool to exit the body. Liquid and unformed pieces of loose stool are the only substances that can get around the impaction and make their way out of the body. As a result, watery diarrhea may occur. Some of the most common treatments for diarrhea can lead to constipation and another fecal impaction, so it is important to seek the advice of a medical professional if this sign of an impacted colon occurs.
Fecal Incontinence
Severe impaction may result in fecal incontinence, which is the loss of bowel control. Someone with an impacted colon may experience the leakage of stool or have accidents due to having an impaction. Because fecal incontinence can reduce quality of life, it is important that it is addressed with a physician. If it is caused by fecal impaction, changes in diet and activity level may be enough to restore normal bowel function. Mild laxatives may be suggested for people who remain impacted even after increasing their fiber and water intake and getting more exercise.
