There are a myriad of things that can impair or be detrimental to our health. Something as simple as a bout of constipation can lead to impacted stools if left unattended. Recognizing and addressing such issues at the onset can prolong our lives and offer a healthy and invigorating lifestyle.
Identification
Impacted stools (or fecal impaction) can be caused by a number of things, one being an overextended period of constipation. Other signs of impacted stool are nausea and vomiting, weight loss, constant urges to have a bowel movement (or if bowel movement occurs it may be very loose, like liquid), loss of appetite, pain in the abdomen (this usually occurs after a meal) and headaches. A general feeling of sickness may be present in addition to the symptoms.
Types
As a result of the foods we eat, water intake and exercise habits, the stool can take on different shapes and forms. Use this guide to help identify whether or not your stool is normal and intact or in need of a little help.
Smooth, long: This is normal and an indication of regular, daily trips to the bathroom.
Lumpy, long: This will usually require some straining, but movements should be regular.
Small, hard and separated: This indicates that fiber and water are missing from daily diet and will require an enormous amount of uncomfortable straining, which may result in bleeding.
All liquid and no substance: This usually indicates diarrhea.
Size
Stool sizes vary from person to person, just like the regularity of bowel movements varies from one individual to the next. Stools can range in size from 1 to 2 cm (small, hard and separated), to 3 to 4 cm (lumpy and long) back to 1 to 2 cm (smooth and long).
Prevention/Solution
Eliminating or preventing some of the symptoms listed above can deter the unfavorable effects of impacted stools all together. To avoid constipation, maintain a healthy supply of fiber in your daily diet (about 25 to 30 g daily). You can take a fiber dietary supplement; even better, add foods that are high in fiber to your diet (carrots, beans, fresh fruits, broccoli, whole grains). Drink plenty of liquids every day, namely water (at least six to eight glasses daily); this prevents the stool from becoming dry and hard. Another way to avoid impacted stool is to exercise regularly. This doesn't necessarily mean you have to get a membership at your local gym, but daily or regular exercise such as a brisk walk for about 20 minutes or so will help promote and keep bowel movements consistent, thus avoiding constipation.
Warning
If you experience a prolonged period of constipation and are unable to pass gas or expel any stool, you should contact your doctor immediately. It is not advisable to use any laxatives at this point. If you notice stool is really thin (almost like a pencil), you are experiencing abdominal pain and/or there is blood in the stool, you should contact your doctor immediately.
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