Physical assisted removal: A medical professional uses a gloved finger to manually remove poop from your rectum (digital disimpaction) or perform an abdominal massage to target the stuck stool. Laxatives: You can drink a polyethylene glycol (PEG) solution or use an over-the counter (OTC) laxative to cleanse your colon.
Early signs and symptoms of bowel obstruction include rectal bleeding, diarrhea, and belly cramps. Bowel obstruction, also called intestinal obstruction, is a partial or complete blockage of the small or large intestine that results in food or fecal matter being unable to move through the intestines.
Stimulant Laxatives
Some popular brands include bisacodyl (Correctol, Dulcolax, Feen-a-Mint), and sennosides (Ex-Lax, Senokot). Prunes (dried plums) are also an effective colonic stimulant and taste good, too. Note: Don't use stimulant laxatives daily or regularly.
Identifying Bowel Obstruction Symptoms
Most people affected by a bowel obstruction are unable to pass gas or have a bowel movement, and may have a swollen abdomen. Infrequent bowel movements or hard stools usually do not indicate obstruction.
People with a fecal impaction should not try to remove the mass by themselves or wait for it to go away. Instead, they should seek medical advice. A doctor will advise them on the best approach.
When you have a fecal impaction, you'll need to have the hard mass of stool removed from your colon or rectum to get better. It won't go away on its own, and it can lead to death if it's allowed to worsen.
Summary. Incomplete evacuation, the sensation that a bowel movement is not complete, is common in people with chronic constipation and chronic diarrhea, particularly those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Perform stimulation with your finger every day until you start to have a regular pattern of bowel movements. You can also stimulate bowel movements by using a suppository (glycerin or bisacodyl) or a small enema. Some people find it helpful to drink warm prune juice or fruit nectar.
Crouching on a chair. Sitting a certain way for seven seconds is not proven to help constipation. However, changing your body posture while on the toilet can make things easier. Place your feet on a stool to place your knees higher than your hips.
Tea and Coffee work in a similar way to hot water in that the heat helps to break down solids. A particularly good option for constipation relief is Senna tea which is a stimulant laxative that helps the digestive tract contract. Avoid foods with a high-fat content – The body has a hard time processing fat.
Drinking plenty of water: Drinking more water can help soften the stool. Receiving an enema: An enema involves inserting liquid or gas into the rectum in order to empty the bowels or administer medication. Enemas add water to the stool and can stimulate the impulse to poop.
Without any fluids (either as sips, ice chips or intravenously) people with a complete bowel obstruction most often survive a week or two. Sometimes it's only a few days, sometimes as long as three weeks. With fluids, survival time may be extended by a few weeks or even a month or two.
These may cause another blockage. Drinking plenty of water may help. If you have kidney, heart, or liver disease and have to limit fluids, talk with your doctor before you increase the amount of fluids you drink. Your doctor may ask that you drink high-calorie liquid formulas if your symptoms require them.
Metamucil® (Psyllium) treats constipation. It's a bulk-forming fiber laxative. In addition to taking this medication, increasing fiber in your diet may also help lower cholesterol and promote heart health.
An intestinal blockage happens when something blocks your intestine. If the intestine is completely blocked, it is a medical emergency needing immediate attention. Symptoms of an intestinal blockage include severe belly pain or cramping, vomiting, not being able to pass stool or gas, and other signs of belly distress.
Causes of intestinal obstruction may include fibrous bands of tissue (adhesions) in the abdomen that form after surgery; hernias; colon cancer; certain medications; or strictures from an inflamed intestine caused by certain conditions, such as Crohn's disease or diverticulitis.