Understanding Fecaliths: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Fecalith is a hard, calcified mass that forms in the colon or rectum as a result of chronic constipation. It is made up of dried stool and mucus that has been trapped in the colon for an extended period of time. Fecaliths can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and difficulty passing stools.

Fecaliths are more common in people who have conditions that affect the digestive system, such as constipation, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). They can also be caused by other factors such as a low-fiber diet, dehydration, or certain medications.

Treatment for fecaliths usually involves a combination of dietary changes and medical interventions. Dietary changes may include increasing fiber intake to soften stools and promote regular bowel movements, while medical interventions may include laxatives, enemas, or surgery to remove the fecalith. It is important to seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen over time, as untreated fecaliths can lead to complications such as infection or rectal bleeding.