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Can I die from a long-standing fecal impaction?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am a 20 year old male. I have had a fecal impaction for four weeks. My symptoms are, straining while pooping, occasional pain in my rectum, painful bowel movements, right arm tingliness, sore back, and I am not nauseous, but queasy. It does not bother me much, but sometimes it hurts down there. I am on no medication. I have no health insurance. I have no gastrointestinal history. I can still poo, but when I do, it seems like more liquid poo gets stuck. Should I take laxatives? Will I die? And can I still ride a bike or does that make things worse?
Answered by Dr. Noushif. M

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Noushif M. is a skilled General Surgeon specializing in surgical and medical Gastroenterology. He has expertise in managing gastrointestinal disorders, performing advanced laparoscopic surgeries, and treating conditions such as hernias, gallstones, and digestive tract diseases. With a focus on minimally invasive techniques and evidence-based care, Dr. Noushif is committed to delivering precise, patient-centered treatment for optimal recovery and long-term digestive health.

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Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

  • There is nothing to worry as regards to these symptoms.
  1. Avoid constipating food items such as red meat, maize-based foods, baked food, etc.
  2. Drink three liters of water daily.
  3. Take syrup Lactulose 20 ml at bedtime for a week.
  4. Apply Lignocaine anal cream (Smuth) for a week. Apply it after every bout of motion and twice daily.
  5. Remain stress-free. Do not get anxious.

You will be alright. Please consider a detailed review next week. Good luck.

For further queries consult a medical gastroenterologist online

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Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

Is it dangerous to have had a fecal impaction for four weeks?

Answered by Dr. Noushif. M

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Noushif M. is a skilled General Surgeon specializing in surgical and medical Gastroenterology. He has expertise in managing gastrointestinal disorders, performing advanced laparoscopic surgeries, and treating conditions such as hernias, gallstones, and digestive tract diseases. With a focus on minimally invasive techniques and evidence-based care, Dr. Noushif is committed to delivering precise, patient-centered treatment for optimal recovery and long-term digestive health.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

  • Having a fecal impaction once is not dangerous. You can follow the measures I suggested to prevent it from happening again.
  • Make sure you pass the motion once every day or at least once in two days.
  • Use the laxative syrup as needed, but judiciously.
  • If you experience impaction repeatedly, we can consider a further evaluation.

For more information consult a medical gastroenterologist online

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

Can I use regular laxatives or enemas?

Answered by Dr. Noushif. M

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Noushif M. is a skilled General Surgeon specializing in surgical and medical Gastroenterology. He has expertise in managing gastrointestinal disorders, performing advanced laparoscopic surgeries, and treating conditions such as hernias, gallstones, and digestive tract diseases. With a focus on minimally invasive techniques and evidence-based care, Dr. Noushif is committed to delivering precise, patient-centered treatment for optimal recovery and long-term digestive health.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

  • Laxatives like Lactulose can be used as needed. They will not cause any serious harm.
  • You can use 20 ml at bedtime so that the morning movement will be fine. You can increase the dose to 30 ml either once or twice as needed. It is better not to use it regularly or on a long-term basis.
  • A syrup will be more convenient than an enema.

For further queries consult a medical gastroenterologist online

Answered by Dr. Noushif. M
Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At October 20, 2017
Reviewed At April 25, 2025

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Noushif M. is a skilled General Surgeon specializing in surgical and medical Gastroenterology. He has expertise in managing gastrointestinal disorders, performing advanced laparoscopic surgeries, and treating conditions such as hernias, gallstones, and digestive tract diseases. With a focus on minimally invasive techniques and evidence-based care, Dr. Noushif is committed to delivering precise, patient-centered treatment for optimal recovery and long-term digestive health.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Noushif. M
Dr. Noushif. M

Surgical Gastroenterology

Consult this doctor

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Noushif M. is a skilled General Surgeon specializing in surgical and medical Gastroenterology. He has expertise in managing gastrointestinal disorders, performing advanced laparoscopic surgeries, and treating conditions such as hernias, gallstones, and digestive tract diseases. With a focus on minimally invasive techniques and evidence-based care, Dr. Noushif is committed to delivering precise, patient-centered treatment for optimal recovery and long-term digestive health.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality
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