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]]
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[[fr:Impaction]]