Introduction
Constipation is a common digestive complaint many people try to manage on their own. But when left untreated, chronic constipation can progress to a serious complication called fecal impaction. At Bedford Gastroenterology in Bedford, NH, we want patients to understand how these conditions differ, why they matter, and what you can do to stay healthy.
In this article we will explore:
- What constipation is and how it differs from fecal impaction
- Symptoms and warning signs
- Risk factors and causes
- How each is diagnosed and treated
- Prevention strategies
- When to seek care in Bedford, NH
This knowledge can help you act early and protect your GI system.
What Is Constipation?
Definition & prevalence
Constipation generally means infrequent, difficult, or painful bowel movements. Common characteristics include fewer than three bowel movements per week, hard or lumpy stools, straining to pass stool, or a sensation of incomplete evacuation.
Many people experience occasional constipation, but when it becomes chronic, it can lead to complications.
Causes & risk factors
Several factors contribute to constipation:
- Low dietary fiber intake
- Inadequate fluid consumption
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Delaying the urge to defecate
- Medications (e.g. opioids, anticholinergics)
- Conditions such as hypothyroidism, diabetes, neurological disorders
- Structural or functional bowel problems
What Is Fecal Impaction?
Definition & how it differs from constipation
Fecal impaction occurs when hardened stool becomes packed in the rectum or colon and cannot be passed naturally. It is essentially a severe form of constipation.
Unlike simple constipation, with impaction the blockage may resist standard laxative treatment, and liquid stool may leak around the impacted mass.
Why it matters
Left untreated, fecal impaction can lead to serious complications including:
- Bowel obstruction
- Tissue damage or ulcers in the colon
- Rectal bleeding
- Incontinence or overflow diarrhea
- Perforation of the bowel (in extreme cases)
- Spread of infection or systemic illness
Symptoms & Warning Signs
Constipation symptoms
Typical signs of constipation include:
- Fewer than three bowel movements weekly
- Hard, dry, or lumpy stools
- Straining, discomfort or pain when passing stool
- Feeling of incomplete bowel emptying
- Use of laxatives or enemas with modest relief
Fecal impaction symptoms
Signs are often more severe and may include:
- Persistent abdominal pain or cramping
- Bloating or distension
- A palpable mass in the lower abdomen
- Inability to pass stool or gas
- Overflow diarrhea (liquid stool leaking around the impacted mass)
- Rectal bleeding or mucus
- Urinary symptoms, nausea, or loss of appetite
If you experience sudden severe pain, vomiting, fever, or inability to pass stool or gas, seek medical care immediately.
Diagnosis & Evaluation
Medical history & exam
Your physician will ask about bowel habits, diet, medications, and associated symptoms. A physical exam including a digital rectal exam is often done to detect impacted stool.
Imaging & further tests
If needed, imaging studies such as abdominal X-rays or CT scans may locate impaction higher in the colon. In some cases colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy may help evaluate underlying structural causes.
Treatment & Management
Treatment of constipation
Most constipation is managed with lifestyle changes:
- Increase dietary fiber (e.g. fruits, vegetables, whole grains)
- Drink plenty of water
- Exercise regularly
- Establish a regular bathroom routine
- Use over‑the‑counter fiber supplements or stool softeners as directed
- Adjust or review medications that may contribute to constipation
If symptoms persist, your gastroenterologist may prescribe more advanced therapies or investigate for underlying GI conditions.
Treatment of fecal impaction
Treatment focuses on clearing the impacted stool, relieving blockage, and preventing recurrence:
- Disimpaction procedures
- Manual removal (digital disimpaction)
- Use of enemas or suppositories to soften and loosen stool
- Lubricants or osmotic agents (e.g. polyethylene glycol) to hydrate stool
- In severe cases, endoscopic or surgical intervention may be required
- Post‑relief care & prevention
- Maintenance with fiber, hydration, physical activity
- Bowel training and routine
- Evaluate medications and underlying conditions
- Ongoing follow up with GI specialists when needed
At Bedford Gastroenterology, we tailor care plans to each patient and monitor closely to avoid recurrence.
Prevention Strategies
Preventing constipation and impaction is possible with consistent habits:
- Eat a diet rich in fiber
- Drink 8+ glasses of water daily
- Exercise regularly
- Respond promptly to the urge to have a bowel movement
- Avoid prolonged use of stimulant laxatives
- Review and adjust medications that slow gut motility
- Schedule routine GI screenings, especially after age 45
- Seek early evaluation when symptoms persist more than a few days
These preventive steps are foundational in maintaining digestive health for residents of Bedford, NH and surrounding areas.
Why This Matters for You in Bedford, NH
Residents of Bedford and the surrounding region deserve access to reliable GI care in their own community. Our practice, Bedford Gastroenterology, provides expert evaluation and management of conditions like constipation and fecal impaction. We accept new patients, often schedule follow-ups in under a week, and coordinate with local providers to deliver comprehensive care.
Early diagnosis and intervention can prevent complications that might otherwise require hospitalization or invasive surgery. Whether you’re experiencing mild chronic constipation or suspect a more serious blockage, we encourage you to reach out before the problem escalates.
When to Contact Bedford Gastroenterology
You should contact us if you experience:
- Constipation lasting several days despite self‑care
- Severe abdominal pain, bloating, or vomiting
- Rectal bleeding or blood in stool
- Weight loss or appetite loss
- A sense of incomplete evacuation or urgency
Your digestive health matters. Let us help you find relief and restore regularity.