Relieving Impacted Stool: Quick And Easy

Fecal impaction, or impacted stool, is a common gastrointestinal problem, particularly among older adults, that can cause serious medical complications if left untreated. It occurs when a mass of stool gets stuck in the bowel, often as a result of unresolved constipation. To soften impacted stool, it is important to address the issue promptly and make changes to your diet and lifestyle. Increasing your fibre intake and consuming more fluids can help to prevent impaction. Natural remedies such as lemon juice, olive oil, prune juice, and clear soups can also act as laxatives and encourage bowel movements. In more severe cases, medical intervention may be required, including manual disimpaction, suppositories, enemas, or surgery.

Drink more water

Drinking more water is one of the most important things you can do to soften impacted stool. Water is essential for healthy digestion and regular bowel movements. When the body is dehydrated, stool can become hard, dry, and difficult to pass, leading to constipation and, in some cases, fecal impaction.

• Increase your daily water intake: Aim to drink plenty of water throughout the day. The exact amount of water needed varies from person to person and depends on factors such as age, gender, activity level, and climate. However, a general rule to determine if you are adequately hydrated is to look at the colour of your urine. If your urine is dark yellow, it indicates dehydration, and you should aim to increase your water intake.
• Drink water consistently throughout the day: Try to sip water regularly throughout the day rather than only drinking water with meals. This will help ensure that your body has a consistent supply of fluids to aid in digestion and soften your stool.
• Consider adding prune juice to your diet: Prune juice is known to have a laxative effect and can be a helpful addition to your daily water intake. Drinking a glass of warm water with prune juice in the morning can be especially beneficial for improving digestion and softening stool.
• Drink a glass of warm water in the morning: Starting your day with a glass of warm water can help stimulate your digestive system and improve bowel movements. It may also aid in softening your stool.
• Increase water intake during and after exercise: Exercise is an excellent way to stimulate your digestive system and promote regular bowel movements. Remember to drink water before, during, and after your workouts to stay hydrated and help soften your stool.

While increasing your water intake is essential, it is also crucial to note that water should not be your only source of fluids. Be sure to include other hydrating beverages such as tea and coffee, as well as water-rich foods like fruits and vegetables, in your diet.

In addition to increasing your water intake, you may also want to consider adding more fibre to your diet, as this can help add bulk to your stool and promote regularity. However, it is important to increase your fibre intake gradually to avoid any digestive discomfort.

Eat more fibre

Eating more fibre is a great way to prevent and treat constipation and, in turn, soften impacted stool. Fibre is the non-digestible carbohydrates found in all plant foods, including fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes. It is usually split into two groups: insoluble and soluble fibre. Insoluble fibre, found in wheat bran, vegetables, and whole grains, bulks up your stool and acts like a brush, sweeping through your bowels to get everything out and keep things moving. Soluble fibre, found in oat bran, nuts, seeds, beans, lentils, and peas, as well as some fruits and vegetables, absorbs water and forms a gel-like substance, helping your stool pass smoothly through your bowels and improving its form and consistency.

The recommended daily fibre intake is 25 grams for women younger than 50, 21 grams for women 50 and older, 38 grams for men younger than 50, and 30 grams for men 50 and older. However, it is estimated that most people eat less than half of the recommended amount.

If you are constipated and have a low fibre intake, increasing your fibre consumption could help. Studies have shown that increasing fibre intake can increase the number of stools passed and relieve constipation. It is important to note that you should gradually increase your fibre intake by adding a serving of fibre-rich foods every couple of days to avoid discomfort and side effects like gas and bloating.

If you are already consuming enough fibre but are still constipated, increasing your fibre intake may not be beneficial and could even worsen the problem. In such cases, reducing dietary fibre may be recommended. Additionally, if you have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), it is important to note that many high-fibre foods are also high in FODMAPs, which can worsen IBS symptoms.

In summary, eating more fibre can be an effective way to prevent and treat constipation, which can lead to softened impacted stool. However, it is important to gradually increase your fibre intake and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or underlying health conditions.

Try abdominal massage

Abdominal massage is a safe, non-invasive technique that may help to relieve constipation and impacted stool. It involves gently rubbing your belly to stimulate the muscles involved in producing bowel movements and soothe chronic stress, which is often linked to digestive issues.

While there is limited research on the effectiveness of abdominal massage, some studies have shown promising results. For example, a 2011 report published in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies reviewed clinical trials on abdominal massage and found that it may provide constipation relief by promoting peristalsis (a series of wave-like muscle contractions that help move food through your digestive tract). The report also found that abdominal massage may help to reduce the time it takes for food to pass through the colon and can help to alleviate constipation-related pain and discomfort.

• Lie down with a pillow under your knees. Apply massage oil over your abdomen.
• Stroking: Using a flat hand, stroke a straight line from the base of your abdomen (between the hips) up to your rib cage. Repeat 10 times.
• Stroking: Place both hands at the small of your back, one on each side. Smooth your hands over both hips and down toward the pelvis and groin. Repeat 10 times.
• Effleurage: Make a fist with your right hand and place it over your right groin. Slide your fist up your abdomen toward your right rib cage, across to the left rib cage, and down the left side of your abdomen. This motion forms an upside-down "U." Perform it slowly, about 10 times or for 2 minutes. You can place your left hand on top of your fist for additional pressure.
• Kneading: Make a fist and place it on the upper left abdomen just below the rib cage. Rotate your wrist about 10 times while moving down the left wall of your abdomen. Repeat 10 times. Perform the same kneading massage on the right side, working from the bottom (right lower groin) to the top.
• Effleurage: Repeat step 4 for about 2 minutes.
• Vibrations: Place both palms, one hand over the other, over the center of your abdomen. Make a shaking movement with your hands while pushing down on your abdomen. Vibrations can help relieve gas.

It is recommended to perform this massage twice a day, aiming for a 20-minute session each time. Incorporating deep breathing into each session may also be beneficial.

Abdominal massage is generally safe for most people, but it is always a good idea to consult your healthcare provider before trying any new home remedy. Pregnant women, for example, should avoid any type of massage on their abdomen. Additionally, constipation can sometimes be a symptom of an underlying health condition, so it is important to see a doctor if constipation is persistent or accompanied by other symptoms.

Move your bowels when the urge strikes

The urge to defecate is a powerful one, and it's important to heed the call when it comes. This is particularly true when it comes to preventing impacted stool, as delaying defecation when the urge strikes is a risk factor for this issue.

The Gastro-Colic Reflex

Eating food is a powerful stimulus to open your bowels, and this is known as the gastro-colic reflex. This is often most potent after a fast, and so tends to occur after breakfast. Babies will generally defecate when the need arises, but as we get older, we learn to suppress this urge.

Problems with Delaying Defecation

Chronically disregarding your body's signals to defecate can worsen constipation and increase your risk of impacted stool. Withholding bowel movements can cause the bowel to become distended, and this can lead to nerve damage over time. This can create a vicious cycle, where constipation occurs due to a loss of sensation in the colon.

How to Improve Your Bowel Habits

You can improve your bowel habits by increasing the amount of fibre and fluid in your diet, and exercising regularly. You should also be aware of your "whole gut transit time", or how long it takes for food residue to pass through your body. This can be measured by swallowing a handful of raw sweetcorn kernels and looking out for them in your stool. This transit time should be somewhere between 8 and 24 hours.

The Dangers of a Longer Transit Time

The longer food residue stays in your body, the more it is prone to fermentation and decomposition, which produces wind and chemicals known as metabolites. These metabolites sit in contact with the bowel lining and can be absorbed. A longer transit time has been linked to a higher risk of significant gastrointestinal problems, including bowel cancer, diverticulosis, haemorrhoids, anal tears, and prolapse.

The Golden Rule of Gastroenterology

So, when your colon calls, you should listen. The golden rule of gastroenterology is to always heed the "call to stool" when the urge strikes.

Ask your doctor about laxatives

If you are experiencing constipation, it is best to address it as soon as possible. When other diet and lifestyle changes can't ward it off, laxatives can be considered a good short-term solution until the constipation resolves.

Laxatives are medications that help the bowels to move. They work in a few different ways. Some bulk up the stool, making it bigger and softer. Others stimulate the bowel walls to contract or pull water into the stool, making it easier to pass.

The best-studied laxative is polyethylene glycol (MiraLAX), which pulls water into the stool. Other types of laxatives include bulk-forming laxatives, osmotics, stool softeners, lubricants, and stimulants. Most are available without a prescription, but it is always best to check with your doctor before using them. They may not be safe to use with certain conditions, such as a bowel obstruction, or if you are pregnant or giving laxatives to a child.

Laxatives are usually taken orally in the form of pills, powders, liquids, or syrups. However, they can also be administered as suppositories or enemas, which are inserted directly into the rectum. It is important to follow the instructions on how and when to take laxatives to prevent side effects such as bloating, gas, or stomach cramps.

While laxatives can be effective in treating constipation, they should not be a long-term solution. Overuse of laxatives can lead to complications such as electrolyte imbalance, chronic constipation, and blockage in the intestine. Additionally, certain types of laxatives, especially stimulant laxatives, can increase the risk of fecal impaction, particularly in older adults. Therefore, it is crucial to speak with your doctor before starting laxatives and to follow their recommended treatment plan.

Frequently asked questions