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Impaction, from the Latin impingere, is a medical term used to describe several different types of blockage.
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In Reptiles
Impaction occurs in reptiles when they consume something that they cannot 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 digestive tract and, if untreated, cause death.
Symptoms
Some symptoms include a lack of appetite or 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. [1]
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. [1]
In Horses
An impaction may be a cause of colic, see horse colic.
In Humans
In relation to Digestion
Impaction is a pathological condition in humans when an impassable mass of stone-like faecal matter collects in the rectum. It frequently occurs as a result of dehydration, inactivity, and medications, such as narcotics or psychotropicagents, which slow the peristalsis, and increase the time that the colonic mucosa will extract moisture from the faecal bolus. [2]
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. [2]
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 [3]
References
- ^ a b The Reptile Rooms :: Bearded Dragons, other Lizards, Snakes, Turtles and more!
- ^ a b MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Fecal impaction
- ^ Wisdom teeth removal, extraction - symptoms, pain & complications
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- This page was last modified on 8 July 2008, at 21:29.
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