Can Fecal Impaction Cause Anal Incontinence?
- Fecal Incontinence
- What Is It? & Symptoms
- Diagnosis & Expected Duration
- Prevention & Treatment
- More Info
Diagnosis
Several tests are used to determine the cause of fecal incontinence. The first step is a digital rectal exam in which the doctor inserts a gloved finger into the rectum. The doctor feels for abnormal anatomy or impacted stool. Impacted stool is a mass of hard, dry feces that becomes lodged in the bowel. Liquid material can leak out around it.
Nerve damage that could affect rectal reflexes can be identified with the "wink" test, in which the doctor touches the anus to see if it...
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From Our Sources
Fecal impaction
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
A fecal impaction is a large lump of dry, hard stool that remains stuck in the rectum. It is most often seen in patients with long-term... Read more »
Bowel incontinence
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
Uncontrollable passage of feces; Loss of bowel control; Fecal incontinence; Incontinence - bowelHome CareIncontinence is not a hopeless situation.... Read more »
Bowel incontinence
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
Bowel incontinence is the loss of bowel control, leading to an involuntary passage of stool. This can range from occasionally leaking a small amount... Read more »
Urinary Incontinence: Causes and Treatments
Urinary incontinence can be defined as the involuntary loss of urine. The urinary bladder, which stores urine until the patient voluntary empties its... Read more »
Constipation and Impaction
Source: Harvard Decision Guide
What Is It? Normally, people have bowel movements at fairly regular intervals, and stool passes out of the body easily without much straining or... Read more »
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