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Fecal impaction

Alternative names:

impaction of the bowels

Symptoms:

A sudden, watery diarrhea in a person at risk for chronic constipation is usually an indication of a fecal impaction. Additionally, the person may have frequent straining with passage of liquid or small semi-formed stools.

Signs and tests:

An abdominal and rectal exam will be performed. The rectal exam will reveal a hard mass of dry stool within the rectum.


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