About Impaction

What is an Impaction?

An impaction is defined as a collection of dry hard stools that form a partial blockage, or a complete obstruction, of stool in the colon. This blockage usually results in abdominal pain, distension and an inability to pass stool. Problems with chronic constipation may preclude the development of an impaction. Used proactively, Fruit-Eze™ pure fruit regularity blend can help you to achieve regularity, to avoid constipation and constipation leading to impaction. > About avoiding constipation leading to impaction.

Who Is At Risk?

Under certain conditions, anyone can develop an impaction. The same factors that lead to the development of constipation, can also lead to the development of impactions. Individuals who have certain forms of intestinal disease, who have become dehydrated from an illness, persons already suffering from constipation, and some older adults are at greater risk of developing impactions.

About the Symptoms

Impactions are often overlooked because the symptoms of impactions imitate many other problems. As a result, about 2,000 people die each year from unrecognized impactions. Impactions are life threatening and require immediate medical attention. An individual with an impaction may experience some or any combination of the following symptoms:

Can a Stool Still Form When an Impaction
is Present?

Yes, a stool can form when an impaction is present. The absence of stools (constipation) is often mistakenly regarded as the first indicator that an impaction has developed. Years of nursing and caregiving experience has shown that liquid stool can sometimes make its way around an impaction, form a stool on the other side of the impaction, and be passed. Because of this possibility, the evidence of a stool is no longer regarded as an indication that an impaction (or partial impaction) is not present. Several other symptoms (listed above) can alert caregivers that an impaction may be developing.