What is an impacted bowel?
An impacted bowel, or a bowel obstruction, is an issue that arises when something blocks your bowels in your large or small intestine. If you’ve noticed that you’re unable to have a bowel movement or pass gas, in addition to stomach pain and a swollen stomach, an impacted bowel could be the cause. For additional information on what an impacted bowel is and how to get the proper treatment, schedule an appointment at GI Alliance to talk to a gastrointestinal specialist today.
What are the symptoms of an impacted bowel?
The symptoms of an impacted bowel include stomach pain and a swollen stomach. They can also include the following:
- Liquid stool leaking from the rectum
- Intense pain or discomfort in the abdomen
- Abdominal bloating
- Nausea or vomiting
- Feeling the need to push
- A headache
- Unintentional weight loss
- A feeling of fullness and not wanting to eat
If you believe you’ve experienced any of the symptoms listed above, connect with a GI doctor at your nearest GI Alliance location to receive prompt treatment for your impacted bowel.
How is an impacted bowel treated?
An impacted bowel can either be a partial or a total blockage. It is important to schedule an appointment as soon as possible if you’ve been unable to manage the blockage on your own with laxatives or other treatments, as the blockage can become a serious problem when not managed correctly.
Treatment for an impacted bowel will vary. After determining the reason for the impacted bowel, the treatment can range from manual removal to an enema, or water irrigation. After treatment, you can also take steps to avoid a recurrence of an impaction. This can include having a good fiber and fluid intake and exercising regularly to aid in digestion.
The experienced professionals at GI Alliance are only an appointment away. Schedule your appointment today to talk to a gastroenterologist about your condition. They will guide you in the right direction for proper care.
