A full bowel, or severe constipation, is one of the common health issues that causes
undesirable consequences for the body if left untreated. If not treated immediately, this disease can lead to serious health problems and have unbelievable impacts on a patient’s quality offlife.
In this article, we will delve into the characteristics of severe constipation, the causes of this disease, and methods that can help alleviate and prevent it. Severe constipation is not only a preventable health issue, but also a treatable one if handled properly. Therefore, understanding the nature and management of this disease is very important in treating patients and preventing problems that may occur in the future.
What is A Full Bowel?
A full bowel, or fecal impaction, is a condition of severe constipation with dry stool due to water loss and a large amount of stool firmly embedded in the intestines. This prevents the passage of new stool, resulting in the accumulation of hard and compacted stool in the intestines.
1. Symptoms of “A Full Bowel” Can Manifest in Various Ways, Including:
– Rectal pain
– Abdominal bloating and fullness
– Weakness and body aches
– Bad breath or frequent farting
– Constipation, no bowel movement for several days
– Small, pellet-like stools or feeling of incomplete emptying
Health is not something that should be neglected, especially minor lifestyle behaviors and symptoms that should be paid attention to. Have regular checkups and see a doctor when suspicious symptoms occur.
2. At-risk Groups for A Full Bowel
A full bowel can actually occur in people of all genders and ages with defecation issues. Risk factors for “a full bowel” are:
– Drinking too little water
– Eating foods low in fiber
– Sitting incorrectly while defecating
– Holding back bowel movements / not defecating regularly
– Lack of exercise / no body movement
3. Preventing A Full Bowel is Not Difficult
To avoid needing an enema or having constipation that puts you at risk of a full bowel, prevention can be done through:
– Exercising regularly
– Drinking enough water daily
– Drinking 1 glass of room temperature water after waking up
– Eating high fiber foods
– Training to have regular bowel movements / not holding back
4. Defecating and Sitting Properly to Avoid “A Full Bowel”
– Train to have regular, timely bowel movements so the body and intestines become
accustomed. The best defecation times are believed to be 5-7 AM.
– Drink warm or room temperature water after waking up in the morning. Warm water improves blood circulation, stimulates intestinal motility for easy passing of stool.
– Do not hold back bowel movements as this can cause stool to travel back up into the intestines, resulting in fecal impaction on intestinal walls.
– Do not excessively strain or bear down when not feeling the urge to defecate as this stimulates and increases pressure in the intestines which can have adverse effects. If done frequently, it can cause intestinal prolapsing which affects the development of hemorrhoids.
– Sit properly while defecating. The sitting position best suited for passing stool is “sitting low”, as pressure from the thighs assists with easy defecation. But for straining, sitting slightly hunched forward aids better bowel movements.
If experiencing a full bowel, avoid using laxatives or stimulant medications, especially ones containing senna. These drugs cause intestinal dysfunction or laziness which ultimately impacts health leading to conditions like intestinal inflammation or irritable bowel syndrome. Rather, having regular and timely bowel movements is what best reduces risks of fecal impaction.
