An impacted bowel -- also referred to as fecal impaction -- is a medical condition characterized by the accumulation of dry, solid stool within the bowel (colon) or rectum. This condition can develop due to chronic constipation in individuals who have limited mobility or who are taking certain types of medication. Treatment of an impacted bowel often involves stool softening medication, which allows the stool to be passed out of the body. In rare cases, surgical means may be necessary to remove the dried stool. Speak with your doctor if you develop symptoms associated with an impacted bowel.
Abdominal Cramping
If you have an impacted bowel, you may experience extensive or severe abdominal cramping as a result of this condition. In healthy people, the muscular lining of the intestine alternately contracts and relaxes as it pushes digested materials through the bowel to be excreted through the rectum. Dry, hardened stool within the intestine can be difficult for the bowel muscles to move, which can cause cramping of the bowel. Additional symptoms associated with abdominal cramping can include abdominal bloating, gas, discomfort or pain. Such symptoms may be constant or intermittent, depending on the size and location of the dried stool along the bowel.
Rectal Bleeding
An impacted bowel may cause rectal bleeding. Also known as hematochezia, rectal bleeding may cause you to pass bright or dark red blood from the rectum. The excreted blood may be mixed with small amounts of stool or blood clots. Depending on the severity of rectal bleeding caused by an impacted bowel, you may also experience additional symptoms, including decreased blood pressure, dizziness, weakness or fainting. Such symptoms require immediate medical intervention.
Sudden Diarrhea
If you have an impacted bowel, you may experience sudden episodes of diarrhea -- especially if you have chronic constipation. Impacted stool can cause fluid to back up within the bowel, allowing pressure to accumulate behind the stool. High levels of pressure within the bowel can force small amounts of liquid around the impacted stool, yielding the sudden excretion of watery diarrhea. You may only excrete small amounts of liquid, despite frequent straining while attempting to pass stool.
