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 is the obstruction of a large and firm lump of stool in the rectum or the lower colon and cannot be discharged normally. The obstruction may only allow liquid stool to go around the obstruction similar to the case of diarrhea unlike when the constipation is normal. Early diagnosis and treatment are required so as to avoid complications.
He reviews your whole health history, drugs, nutrition and hydration habits and performs a physical exam-including a digital rectal exam-to determine affected 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 the occurrence of hard or infrequent bowel movement. Fecal impaction refers to the complete blockage of bowel at the rectum or colon that requires medical attention.
The most prevalent of them are a low-fiber diet, dehydration, prolonged use of painkillers or antacids, postoperative or post-illness inactivity, nerve problems, and bowel muscles due to aging.
The chief presentations of the disease include pains or bloat in the belly region, constipation, or gas and difficulty in passing feces or gas, bloody diarrhea around the obstruction, anorexia and a few cases of fever and nausea.
Dr. Chadha collects a medical history, participates in physical and digital rectal examination, and may order the imaging tests, which may be an X-ray of the abdomen or ultrasound. Such anorectal manometry and colonoscopy are infrequently used.
ICD-10-CM fecal impaction 56.41.
Milder forms of the same can be managed through a high fiber diet, consumption of additional water and through limited over-the-counter laxatives. Before going on home treatment, it is always best to consult your doctor.
Visit the emergency department in case of intensive pain in the abdomen, persistent vomiting, elevated temperature, and infection.
Prevent impaction by eating lots of fiber food, vegetables and whole grains, drinking lots of water, and engaging in activities.
There are those laxatives that are safe in the hands of a doctor but when taken too much they may lead to dependence or even worsen the conditions. Follow medical advice.
When the lifestyle changes and all the home remedies do not apply and your symptoms are more severe, you should go to the appointment with Dr. Rishi Chadha as soon as possible.
