The term "fecal blockage" refers to a pathological condition, which is a complication of chronic constipation. As the disease develops in the intestine, feces become denser, which gradually harden and turn into stones. Fecal plug provokes the occurrence of intestinal obstruction, against which a person suffers from severe painful and other uncomfortable sensations. Treatment of the disease is carried out both conservatively and surgically. Additionally, it is allowed to use traditional medicine recipes.
Development mechanism
Normally, the emptying of the human body occurs regularly and painlessly, the act of defecation is not accompanied by severe straining. Under the influence of various adverse factors, a spasm of the anal sphincter can occur, against the background of which a fecal blockage gradually begins to form. Often the cause of the disease is changes in the intestine. Against the background of excesses, scars, spurs, etc. feces begin to accumulate and condense.
In some cases, there is a gap between the wall of the intestine and the fecal plug. Against the background of this condition, liquid feces can leave the body, which misleads the person, since episodes of diarrhea occur with constipation.
In the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10), the fecal blockage is assigned the code K59.
Causes
The disease can develop under the influence of many provoking factors. Depending on the causes, the following types of constipation are distinguished:
- Neurogenic. It occurs with a violation of intestinal motility, which occurs against a background of peptic ulcer, with the formation of calculi in the kidneys and gall bladder, pathologies of the reproductive system. In addition, the neurogenic form of constipation often develops against the background of the growth of neoplasms of the spinal cord and brain, multiple sclerosis.
- Psychogenic. It arises when there is a need to commit an act of defecation in an unusual or uncomfortable environment. Most often, this type of constipation is diagnosed in drug addicts and people with mental disabilities.
- Proctogenic. It develops against the background of pathologies of the rectum: cracks, hemorrhoids, paraproctitis, cryptitis. Often occurs in the presence of ailments of the anorectal zone.
- Functional. The cause is hypertonicity of the sphincter of the large intestine.
- Toxic. It develops against the background of prolonged use of the following medications: narcotic analgesics, antispasmodics and diuretics. In addition, the toxic form of the disease occurs when poisoning with mercury, thallium or lead.
- Senile. It is associated with physical inactivity, which is not uncommon in old age. Against the background of an inactive lifestyle, a violation of the muscle tissue of the intestine occurs.
In addition, constipation can occur in people suffering from endocrine pathologies, as well as in people with abnormalities in the structure of the organ.
Symptoms
The disease is characterized by a mild onset, it progresses rather slowly. The main signs of fecal blockage are the following conditions:
- Complete bowel movement did not occur for several days.
- General weakness.
- Frequent episodes of headache.
- Nausea, sometimes turning into vomiting.
- Pain in the abdomen. Initially, they are weakly expressed, as the disease develops, their intensity increases.
- Bloating.
- When you try to commit an act of defecation, a lean feces of liquid consistency comes out.
If the above symptoms occur, you must consult a proctologist. Only a doctor can tell you how to get rid of fecal blockage, taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient’s health.
Diagnosis is not accompanied by difficulties. Stones are easily detected during digital rectal examinations.
Now about what to do with fecal blockages is impossible. It is forbidden to take laxatives. This is due to the fact that their uncontrolled use leads to a deterioration in the course of pathology. In addition, without first consulting a doctor, you can not do cleansing enemas.
Conservative treatments
Initially, doctors are trying to eliminate fecal blockage with medications. With their inefficiency, surgical removal of the formed stones is indicated.
As a rule, the treatment regimen for the disease includes the following items:
- Bowel cleansing procedure. In a medical facility, the patient is given an oily or hypertensive enema. In the first case, feces are enveloped in a greasy film and more easily go outside; in the second case, magnesia or sodium chloride solution is injected into the rectum, due to which the feces soften. Patients whose condition is assessed as satisfactory and good are given a classic cleansing enema, characterized by a retrograde flow of water.
- The use of drugs that enhance peristalsis. In most cases, Forlax is prescribed. The active substance of the drug helps to retain the fluid in the intestine, due to which the defecation reflex is restored.
- Reception of magnesium sulfate. The product is dissolved in 100 ml of water and drunk before a night's rest.
- Taking hay-based tablets. If it is difficult for a patient to swallow pills due to a state of health, Guttalax drops are prescribed.
- The use of rectal suppositories. Candles are inserted into the rectum in the morning.
If conservative methods do not lead to a positive result, after the patient's agreement, surgical removal of the blockage is performed.
Removing fecal plugs
It is carried out according to the following algorithm:
- The patient signs a document stating that he is not against the implementation of therapeutic measures.
- The patient is placed on a couch on his left side. He needs to bend his knees.
- Under the buttocks put a disposable diaper.
- A nurse or doctor puts gloves on his hands. The index finger of the right limb is richly lubricated with petroleum jelly.
- Then he carefully inserts it into the rectum. When a fecal plug is found, he turns his finger on its upper pole. Then it is extracted.
If the stone is large, the doctor or nurse tries to split it into several small fragments with a finger. If it is not possible to perform this action, an oil enema is placed for several hours. After that, the stone is removed in parts.
Enema at home
The advisability of prescribing this procedure is evaluated only by a doctor. After its resolution, it is allowed to deliver an enema at home or other comfortable conditions for constipation.
The procedure must be performed early in the morning or in the evening before bedtime. For an enema, ordinary boiled water is suitable, but it should be at room temperature. A warm liquid will not harm the body, and a cold liquid will lead to pain and cramping.
To prepare the solution, it is necessary to add table salt (1 tbsp. L.) To water (2 l). The remedy needs to be insisted for about 10 hours. After this, the solution must be poured into an Esmarch mug (2 L capacity). Then the medical device must be placed at the height of the patient’s growth.
The tip of the tube (previously washed) must be lubricated with petroleum jelly or oil. Release excess air from the product.
The patient needs to lie to one side, relax the abdominal muscles, press the knees to the chest. The tip of the tube must then be inserted into the anal opening to a depth of approximately 5 cm. If severe pain occurs, stop the procedure.
As soon as Esmarch’s mug is empty, you need to try to hold the liquid inside for several minutes. With an unbearable urge to empty the intestines.
At home, an enema with constipation is allowed to add decoctions of medicinal plants.
Folk remedies
In order to improve the condition and cleanse the body of hardened feces, it is recommended to resort to alternative medicine. Treatment of fecal blockage at home is difficult, but possible if the cork is small. Folk recipes are an outlet for people who are contraindicated in setting enemas.
The most effective way to cleanse: in a water bath, heat castor oil (you need to take 1 g of the product per 1 kg of body weight). Then add a few drops of lemon juice to it. The resulting product must be drunk in the morning. In the next 10 hours, it is undesirable to eat. Drinking water is also not recommended.
Apples also have a laxative effect. First, on an empty stomach, you need to drink 1 tbsp. l vegetable oil. Then during the day only apples are allowed to eat (one every 2 hours).
Power Features
Until complete elimination of fecal blockage, only plant-based foods should be on the menu. The diet must include: beets, greens, cucumbers, carrots, cabbage, dried fruits, grapefruit, apples, oranges, peaches. From drinks it is necessary to give preference to still water and freshly squeezed juices.
Finally
Fecal obstruction is a complication of chronic constipation. If there are alarming signs, you must consult a proctologist who will make the most effective treatment regimen. After preliminary consultation with a specialist, it is allowed to carry out cleaning procedures at home.