Dr. Rishi Chadha, MD is a board‑certified gastroenterologist who specializes in preventive gastroenterology, colorectal cancer screening, and minimally invasive endoscopic procedures. He completed his fellowship at Sunrise Health GME in Las Vegas and previously trained in internal medicine at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Connecticut.
Fecal impaction occurs when a large, hard mass of stool becomes stuck in the rectum or lower colon and can-t be passed normally. Unlike routine constipation, this blockage may allow only liquid stool to leak around the obstruction, sometimes mimicking diarrhea. Prompt recognition and treatment are essential to avoid complications.
He reviews your complete health history, medications, diet and hydration habits, then performs a physical exam-including a digital rectal exam-to detect impacted stool.
Dr. Rishi Chadha, MD is a board‑certified gastroenterologist who specializes in preventive gastroenterology, colorectal cancer screening, and minimally invasive endoscopic procedures. He completed his fellowship at Sunrise Health GME in Las Vegas and previously trained in internal medicine at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Connecticut.
Constipation involves hard or infrequent bowel movements. Fecal impaction is a complete blockage of stool in the rectum or colon that requires medical treatment.
Common causes include a low-fiber diet, dehydration, prolonged use of painkillers or antacids, inactivity after surgery or illness, nerve problems, and weakened bowel muscles from aging.
Key signs include belly pain or bloating, difficulty passing stool or gas, watery stool leaking around the blockage, loss of appetite, and sometimes fever or nausea.
Dr. Chadha takes a medical history, performs a physical and digital rectal exam, and may order imaging tests such as abdominal X-ray or ultrasound. In rare cases, colonoscopy or anorectal manometry is used.
The ICD-10 code for fecal impaction is K56.41.
Mild cases may improve with a high-fiber diet, increased water intake, and gentle over-the-counter laxatives. Always check with your doctor before starting home treatments.
Seek immediate care if you experience severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, high fever, or signs of infection.
Prevent impaction by eating fiber-rich fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, drinking plenty of water, and staying active.
Certain laxatives can be safe under a doctor's supervision, but overuse can lead to dependence or worsen symptoms. Follow medical advice.
If lifestyle changes and home remedies don-t provide relief or if your symptoms are severe, schedule a consultation with Dr. Rishi Chadha right away.
