Customer question:
I have a problem with passing stool: the stool is hard and hard to come out. What can I do? Anonymous customer's question
Pharmacist's answer:
Fecal impaction is a large, hard mass of stool that gets stuck in your colon or rectum so hard that you can't expel it. Chances are you've been locked up for a while. This can happen to a lot of people. It is common even in babies when they switch from a liquid diet to solid food.
Home remedies and treatments can make bowel movements easier. Possible solutions include:
- increase your fiber intake by eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes and nuts
- increase your intake of water or other sugar-free liquids
- avoid low-fiber foods such as processed and fast foods
- increase physical activity
- eat meals at regular times and chew thoroughly
- avoid straining or sitting on the toilet for too long
If these changes don't seem to work, or if you have severe or additional symptoms, you may need treatment. Depending on the underlying cause, treatment may include:
- laxatives, stool softeners or dietary fiber supplements
- prescription medications to stimulate bowel movements
- biofeedback therapy for retraining the muscles responsible for bowel movement
- an enema, which is an injection of liquid or gas into the rectum to loosen stool
- replacement of an existing drug, if this is a possible cause
- manual mud removal if necessary
It is recommended to see a doctor if home treatment is not effective or if you have any of the following symptoms:
- constant abdominal pain
- inability to pass stool, but there is leakage of liquid stool
- inability to control bowel movements
- oily or greasy stools that are difficult to flush away
- hard, black mud
- blood in stool
- bleeding from the rectum
- inability to pass gas
- vomiting
- fever
- unintentional weight loss
- pain in the lower back
Interesting reading: Closure for several days
Interesting reading: Hard mud
