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What to do if your poop is too big to flush?

People may be able to treat large, hard-to-pass stools by making adjustments to their daily routine, such as : increasing fiber intake by eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts. increasing water intake. avoiding low fiber foods, such as processed and fast foods.

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In this article, we look at possible causes of large stools that are difficult to pass. We also discuss the treatment options and explain when to see a doctor. Various treatments and lifestyle adjustments may help a person pass the stool and prevent the issue from happening again. Many people occasionally find that their poop is large and difficult to pass. This symptom is usually temporary and not a cause for concern. However, in some cases, uncomfortable bowel movements may be a sign of an underlying medical issue. There are many possible causes of large, painful, and hard-to-pass stools. They include:

Constipation

Constipation can cause stools that are hard to pass. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases note that constipation is a common condition, affecting about 16 out of 100 adults in the United States. Among those aged 60 years and over, it affects 33 out of 100 people.

Possible causes of constipation include :

older age

lack of fiber in the diet

travel

ignoring the need to have a bowel movement

dehydration

lack of physical activity

changes in diet or eating habits

The symptoms of constipation may include :

fewer than three bowel movements in a week

hard, dry, or lumpy stools

difficulty passing a stool or pain on doing so

the feeling of an incomplete bowel movement

Fecal impaction

Fecal impaction is a condition in which the body is unable to move a large, dry, hard stool through the colon or rectum.

Causes of fecal impaction can include:

overuse of laxatives

some types of pain medication

lack of physical activity over an extended period

dietary changes

untreated constipation

The symptoms can include :

inability to pass a stool

stomach or back pain

difficulty urinating

nausea

vomiting

diarrhea that leaks out

changes in breathing or heartbeat

Fecal impaction can be dangerous without treatment, so a person should seek medical help straight away if they have symptoms of fecal impaction.

Bowel obstruction

A bowel obstruction is a severe condition in which an obstruction in the intestines blocks the normal digestion process. As a result, it can be difficult or impossible to move stools through to the rectum.

Possible causes of a bowel obstruction include:

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foreign objects in the intestines

abnormal twists or growths of the intestines

inflammatory bowel disease

a tumor

scarring after surgery or infection

a hernia

The symptoms can include :

severe stomach pain or cramping

vomiting

a swollen or full-feeling stomach

constipation

inability to pass gas

loud sounds coming from the stomach

A bowel obstruction is an emergency, and a person will need medical help immediately.

Hypothyroidism

In people with hypothyroidism, the thyroid is unable to produce enough of the thyroid hormones, which affects many bodily functions.

Hypothyroidism can cause constipation. Other symptoms may include :

fatigue

dry skin and hair

being unable to tolerate the cold

depression

unexplained weight gain

Hypothyroidism is more common in females and those over the age of 60 years.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

IBS is a digestive issue that causes abdominal discomfort and frequent changes in bowel movements.

The symptoms may include :

stomach pain

constipation

diarrhea

bloating

gas

mucus in the stool

headaches

nausea

fatigue

There is no clear cause of IBS, but triggers can include:

stress

certain foods or drinks

bacterial infection or overgrowth in the gut

mental health disorders

Encopresis

Encopresis refers to children over 4 years of age being unable to control their bowel movements. Long-term constipation usually causes encopresis. The symptoms include:

soiling of clothing or defecating on the floor

painful, hard-to-pass stools

large stools that may clog the toilet

leaking of liquid stools

Pregnancy

Constipation can be a common symptom in pregnancy, when it can be due to:

changing hormones affecting the digestive system

the developing baby pressing down on the intestines

reduced physical activity

dietary changes

People may experience:

hard, lumpy stools

the feeling of an incomplete bowel movement

straining

infrequent bowel movements

Medications

Certain medications and supplements can cause hard-to-pass stools, including :

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