Impaction 5196794 224443436 2008-07-08T21:29:03Z GregorB 179697 Rm cat, moved to [[Fecal impaction]] {{Wiktionary}} '''Impaction''', from the [[Latin]] ''impingere'', is a [[medical]] term used to describe several different types of blockage. == In Reptiles == '''Impaction''' occurs in [[reptile]]s when they consume something that they cannot [[digestion|digest]]. Common causes of impaction are rocks and sand which might be accidentally consumed when the reptile attacks its prey. Once the substance is ingested it will block the [[Gastrointestinal tract|digestive tract]] and, if untreated, cause death. === Symptoms === Some symptoms include a lack of appetite or [[Fatigue (medical)|lethargy]]. On many animals a large blue seemingly bruised spot will be visible in the [[abdomen]]; however, this only shows through if the skin on the animal is clear enough to see the lower internal organs. <ref name="The Reptile Rooms :: Bearded Dragons, other Lizards, Snakes, Turtles and More!">[http://www.reptilerooms.com/Sections+index-req-viewarticle-artid-87-page-1.html The Reptile Rooms :: Bearded Dragons, other Lizards, Snakes, Turtles and more!<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> === Treatment === Common treatments involve placing the animal in a lukewarm bath and gently rubbing the area under the impaction to help the passing of the consumed substance. If this fails, the animal must have an [[enema]]. <ref name="The Reptile Rooms :: Bearded Dragons, other Lizards, Snakes, Turtles and More!"> </ref> ==In Horses== An impaction may be a cause of colic, see [[horse colic]]. == In Humans == ===In relation to Digestion=== {{main|Fecal impaction}} '''Impaction''' is a [[pathology|pathological condition]] in humans when an impassable mass of stone-like [[faeces|faecal matter]] collects in the [[rectum]]. It frequently occurs as a result of [[dehydration]], inactivity, and medications, such as [[narcotics]] or [[psychotropic]]agents, which slow the [[peristalsis]], and increase the time that the colonic mucosa will extract moisture from the faecal bolus. <ref name="MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Fecal impaction">[http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000230.htm MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Fecal impaction<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> ==== Treatment ==== Treatment involves attempts at moving the impaction by [[enema]] and, failing that, breaking up the impaction transrectally by using a (gloved) finger, pressing the mass against the [[coccyx]] to fracture it into smaller pieces. Proceeding this, A follow-up enema is usually required in addition to proper ongoing [[hydration]], bulk in the [[diet]], exercise and review of all medications to discontinue all those responsible is important to prevent recurrence. <ref name="MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Fecal impaction">[http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000230.htm MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Fecal impaction<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Impaction is also used, in conjunction with filtration, to remove large dust particles and other foreign objects as they enter the body through the nose. === Dental Impaction === :''See also: [[Wisdom teeth]]'' ====Informal Definition==== [[Dental impactions]] are often known to occur when there is not enough room in the jaw for new molar teeth to erupt properly. This can lead to a variety of dental problems, including cysts. There are several types of dental impaction <ref name="Dental Impaction">[http://hcd2.bupa.co.uk/fact_sheets/html/wisdom.html Wisdom teeth removal, extraction - symptoms, pain & complications<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> == References == <references/> [[Category:Animal diseases]] [[Category:General practice]] [[Category:Gastroenterology]] {{medical-stub}} {{reptile-stub}} [[fr:Impaction]]