AllRefer Health - Fecal Impaction (Impaction of the Bowels)

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Fecal Impaction


•	Definition
•	Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
•	Symptoms & Signs
•	Prevention
•	Diagnosis & Tests
•	Treatment
•	Expectations or Prognosis
•	Complications
•	Calling Your Health Care Provider
•	Pictures & Images
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Alternate Names : Impaction of the Bowels

Definition

A fecal impaction is a large mass of dry, hard stool that can develop in the rectum due to chronic constipation. This mass may be so hard that it cannot be excreted. Watery stool from higher in the bowel may move around the mass and leak out, causing soiling.

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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

Certain people are at greater risk for developing a chronic constipation, which can lead to fecal impaction. Patients at risk include those who:

Take certain drugs:
- Any type of narcotic pain medication
- Methadone maintenance treatment for narcotic addiction
- Anticholinergic medications
- Antidiarrheal medications
Have decreased mobility
Have a limited diet (especially one that is low in fluids)

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• Definition
• Fecal Impaction Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Fecal Impaction Symptoms & Signs
• Fecal Impaction Prevention
• Fecal Impaction Diagnosis & Tests
• Fecal Impaction Treatment
• Fecal Impaction Prognosis
• Fecal Impaction Complications
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
• Pictures & Images

Review Date : 1/13/2003
Reviewed By : Andrew J. Muir, M.D., M.H.S., Division of Gastroenterology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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