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Ency. home > Disease > F > Fecal impaction

Fecal impaction    See images

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention

Alternative names:

Impaction of the bowels

Definition:

Chronic constipation may lead to the formation of a large mass of dry hard stool within the rectum. The mass may be large enough to be unpassable. Watery stool from higher in the bowel may move around the mass and leak out causing soiling.

Causes and Risks

Certain people are at greater risk for developing a chronic constipation. People with increased risk include anyone who is taking any type of narcotic pain medication, anti-cholinergic medications, chronic use of anti-diarrheal medications, people with decreased mobility, and people who have a limited diet, especially fluids.

Ency. home > Disease > F > Fecal impaction

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