What is Fecal incontinence?
Anal incontinence is a term used to describe the inability to control when bowel movements occur. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including dietary changes, bowel training, medications, or surgery.
Anal incontinence is the term used to describe when bowel movements can't be controlled. Poop leaks out of your rectum when you don't want it to, which means it can happen even if you're taking planned bathroom breaks. This leakage can happen without your consent or even when you're not trying to have a bowel movement. Fecal incontinence happens more often in women than in men and also increases with age.
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| Fecal incontinence |
The term "fecal incontinence" refers to any of the following situations: -When accidents happen because of a lack of control over bowel movements. -When the person doesn't have enough energy to push out the waste properly.
Stool leaks out when passing gas.
Stools often leak due to physical activity or daily life activities.
I feel like I have to go, but I'm not able to make it to the bathroom in time.
After having a bowel movement, stool is seen in the underwear.
There is complete loss of bowel control.
Medical terms
Fecal incontinence is a disorder that affects the ability to control bowel movements. It is characterized by unintentional leakage of semi-solid or liquid stool, or in more severe cases, solid stool. This condition can be caused by a variety of factors, including physical injury, neurological disorders, chronic illnesses, and certain medications, as well as age- and lifestyle-related issues. Fecal incontinence affects both men and women, with the prevalence increasing with age.
Fecal incontinence is the inability to manage viscus movements, inflicting stool (feces) to leak unexpectedly from the rectum. additionally referred to as bowel incontinence, unclean incontinence ranges from an occasional escape of stool whereas passing gas to a whole loss of bowel control. Common causes of fecal incontinence embody diarrhea, constipation, and muscle or nerve injury. The muscle or nerve damage is also related to aging or with giving birth. Regardless of the cause, fecal incontinence will be embarrassing. however don't recoil from reprimanding your doctor regarding this common problem. Treatments will improve fecal incontinence and your quality of life.
Fecal incontinence is the leakage of feces from the rectum due to either an organic or inorganic cause The condition can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract and can occur at a variety of levels While fecal incontinence may be due to physical injury surgery infection or disease it is most often caused by damage to the nerves that control bowel function Incontinence can also be a symptom of a neurological disorder such as Parkinson's disease or stroke Untreated fecal incontinence may lead to ulceration and colitis but with proper medical attention most patients experience significant improvement in their.
is the involuntary leakage of feces Fecal incontinence is the involuntary leakage of feces Also known as anal incontinence it's a common problem among elderly people that can result from numerous causes including neurological diseases and damage to internal and external sphincter muscles The loss of bladder control (urinary incontinence) may also contribute to fecal incontinence in some cases.
Symptoms Fecal incontinence
Fecal incontinence might occur quickly throughout AN occasional bout of diarrhea, except for those people, unclean incontinence is chronic or recurring. individuals with this condition are also unable to prevent the urge to defecate, that comes on so suddenly that they don't build it to the restroom in time. This can be referred to as urge incontinence. Another kind of fecal incontinence happens in folks that aren't conscious of the necessity to pass stool. This can be called passive incontinence.
Fecal incontinence may be accompanied by other bowel problems, such as:
Diarrhea
Constipation
Gas and bloating
Frequent diarrhea or constipation.These conditions make the muscles in the rectum and anus weaker. This makes it harder for the person to hold on to their poop, and also makes it harder for them to defecate.
Muscle damage.If you have a difficult vaginal childbirth or any surgery involving forceps or a small cut (an episiotomy), your muscles can be damaged.
Older age. As we age, our muscles in the rectum and anus naturally lose strength. Other structures in the pelvis area also loosen, which makes bowel movements more difficult. Hard stool is more difficult to control than soft stool. When a large amount of stool accumulates, it can be more difficult to clean up. When stool arrives rapidly in the rectum, there may not be enough time to go to the bathroom in time.
Damage to nerves. If the nerves that control the ability to contract the rectum and anus muscles are damaged, this can lead to incontinence. Damage to nerves that control rectal sensation can also cause incontinence. This can happen during a difficult vaginal delivery, during anal surgery, or due to constipation. Infrequent and severe straining can occur as a result of (or due to the presence of) certain health conditions, such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis, stroke, or a tumor.
Inability of the rectum to stretch. If the rectum's muscles are not as elastic as they should be, excess stool can leak out. This can happen with inflammatory bowel disease (such as Crohn's disease) or because of surgery or radiation therapy scars. The rectum has muscles.
Other medical conditions.If someone has a medical condition that causes rectal prolapse (the rectum falls down into the anus), rectocele (the rectum pushes into the vagina), or chronic constipation where stool leaks around a large stool ball, they may have fecal incontinence.
Other causes:Laxative abuse can lead to radiation treatments that cause nerve damage and birth defects, which may inflame the intestines and lead to inflammatory bowel disease.
How common is bowel incontinence?
The International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders estimates that up to 40 percent of all adults in the U.S experience some form of bowel incontinence at one time or another during their lifetime making it a common problem While the causes for bowel control issues vary from person to person some of the most common reasons why people leak include childbirth and aging Fortunately there are ways bowel incontinence can be treated.
When to see a doctor
See your doctor if you or your kid develops feculent incontinence, particularly if it's frequent or severe, or if it causes emotional distress. Often, folks are reluctant to inform their doctors regarding fecal incontinence. However treatments are available, and therefore the sooner you're evaluated, the earlier you'll notice some relief from your symptoms.
Causes Fecal incontinence
For many people, there is more than one cause of fecal incontinence.
Causes can include:
Muscle damage. Injury to the rings of muscle at the top of the body part (anal sphincter) could create it tough to carry stool back properly. This type of injury will occur throughout childbirth, particularly if you've got a perineotomy or extractor used during delivery.
Nerve damage. Injury to the nerves that sense stool within the body part or those who manage the anatomical sphincter can cause dirty incontinence. The nerve harm may be caused by childbirth, constant straining throughout internal organ movements, medulla spinalis injury or a stroke. Some diseases, similar to polygenic disease and multiple sclerosis, can also have an effect on these nerves and cause damage that ends up in fecal incontinence.
Constipation. Chronic constipation may cause a dry, exhausting mass of stool (impacted stool) to create within the body part and become overly large to pass. The muscles of the rectum and intestines stretch and eventually weaken, permitting watery stool from farther up the canal to maneuver round the compact stool and leak out. Chronic constipation may cause nerve harm that results in unclean incontinence.
Diarrhea. Solid stool is easier to retain in the rectum than is loose stool, so the loose stools of diarrhea can cause or worsen fecal incontinence.
Hemorrhoids. When the veins in your rectum swell, causing hemorrhoids, this keeps your anus from closing completely, which can allow stool to leak out.
Loss of storage capacity in the rectum. Normally, the body part stretches to accommodate stool. If your rectum is scarred or stiff because of surgery, radiation treatment or inflammatory gut disease, the rectum will't stretch the maximum amount because it desires to, and excess stool can leak out.
Surgery. Surgery to treat enlarged veins in the rectum or anus (hemorrhoids), as well as more-complex operations involving the rectum and anus, can cause muscle and nerve damage that leads to fecal incontinence.
Rectal prolapse. Fecal incontinence can be a result of this condition, during which the body part drops down into the anus. The stretching of the body part musculus by prolapse damages the nerves that manage the rectal sphincter. The longer this persists, the less possible the nerves and muscles can recover.
Rectocele. In women, fecal incontinence can occur if the rectum protrudes through the vagina.
There are several factors that affect the continence of stool or the ability to control bowel movement.
The rectum and anus (the final two sections of the intestines) must be working properly in order for the muscles to function properly.
The rectum should be able to stretch to hold the stool. If you have a rectal sensation, it means that it is time to go to the bathroom.
The muscles that close the anus (anal sphincters) must be working properly in order for stool to be eliminated from the body. If these muscles are not working correctly, accidents can happen when the stool is expelled.
You are not able to recognize the signal that it is time to go to the bathroom. This means you will not be able to control when and how you go to the bathroom.
Stools are either very watery or they can be explosive.
If any of these body functions are not working properly, you may have fecal incontinence.
Risk factors Fecal incontinence
A number of things could increase your risk of developing feculent incontinence, including:
Age. Although fecal incontinence can occur at any age, it's more common in adults over 65.
Being female. Fecal incontinence can be a complication of childbirth. Recent analysis has additionally found that girls who take biological time secretion replacement medical care have a modest augmented risk of soiled incontinence.
Nerve damage. People who have long-standing diabetes, multiple sclerosis, or back trauma from injury or surgery could also be in danger of feculent incontinence, as these conditions will injure nerves that facilitate management defecation.
Dementia. Fecal incontinence is often present in late-stage Alzheimer's disease and dementia.
Physical disability. Being physically disabled could make it troublesome to achieve a rest room in time. associate injury that caused a physical incapacity conjointly may cause body part nerve damage, resulting in unclean incontinence.
Complications Fecal incontinence
Complications of fecal incontinence may include:
Emotional distress. The loss of dignity related to losing management over one' bodily functions will result in embarrassment, shame, frustration and depression. It's common for folks with feculent incontinence to do to cover the matter or to avoid social engagements.
Skin irritation. The skin round the arsehole is delicate and sensitive. Continual contact with stool will cause pain and itching, and doubtlessly to sores (ulcers) that need medical treatment.
Prevention
Depending on the cause, it should be attainable to boost or stop fecal incontinence. These actions may help:
Reduce constipation. Increase your exercise, eat more high-fiber foods and drink plenty of fluids.
Control diarrhea. Treating or eliminating the cause of the diarrhea, such as an intestinal infection, may help you avoid fecal incontinence.
Avoid straining. Straining throughout internal organ movements will eventually weaken anatomical sphincter muscles or injury nerves, probably resulting in fecal incontinence.
What is the best product for bowel incontinence?
Incontinence of the bowels is a very common complaint The symptoms of this condition are most frequently due to loss of tone weakness and relaxation of the voluntary muscles which control the opening and closing movements at the outlet from the bowels The two things that will help your problem more than anything else are regular exercise especially in the form of walking jogging or swimming and a diet high in roughage This diet can be obtained from fruits vegetables whole grains bran products and all types of nuts You should drink at least eight glasses of water daily in order to facilitate proper peristalsis.
Fecal incontinence is the involuntary leakage of gas liquid or solid stool Fecal incontinence may be caused by a number of factors but some common causes include: childbirth trauma chronic constipation and diarrhea neurologic disorders such as multiple sclerosis or stroke and spinal cord injuries Furthermore fecal incontinence can be a side-effect of certain medical conditions resulting from the loss of muscle control in areas around the anus which leads to prolapse of the rectum towards the anus.
Why am I not holding my stools anymore?
If you have loose stools frequently it could be a symptom of an underlying health issue A number of conditions can lead to diarrhea and dehydration See your doctor or other healthcare provider if you experience persistent diarrhea for more than two weeks.
Anal incontinence is the inability to hold stool in Causes of anal incontinence can range from a loosening (prolapse) of the muscles around the anus or rectum to injury both traumatic and surgical disease such as cancer and neurologic disorders.
Diagnosis Fecal incontinence
Your doctor will evaluate you and may ask you questions about your condition and perform a physical exam and a rectal exam. You don't have to be embarrassed to talk to your healthcare provider. They understand that you may feel scared or uncomfortable. I'm uncomfortable talking about this problem.
To diagnose fecal incontinence, the following tests may be done:
Anal manometry: This test measures the strength of the anal sphincter muscles. A thin, short tube is inserted into the anus and rectum to measure how tightly the muscles are clenched.
Ultrasound is used to see inside the body. One type of ultrasound is endoluminal, which is used to see inside the bladder and urethra. Anal ultrasound is used to see inside the anus.This test helps evaluate the shape and structure of the anal sphincter muscles and surrounding tissue. Images of the sphincters are taken with a small probe inserted into the anus and rectum.
A test to measure how quickly a person can respond with their toes when asked to do a certain task.This test measures how well the pudendal nerves function, which are responsible for controlling bowel movements.
Anal electromyography (EMG):This test diagnoses nerve damage and examines the coordination between the rectum and anal muscles.
Flexible sigmoidoscopy or proctosigmoidoscopy: This test examines the end of the large intestine for abnormalities, such as inflammation or scar tissue, that may cause fecal incontinence. A thin tube with a camera attached is inserted into the rectum up to the sigmoid colon. This allows the inside of the bowel to be seen.
Proctography (also called defecography): This test is done in the radiology department. An X-ray video is taken that shows how well the rectum is functioning. The video shows how much stool the rectum can hold, how well the rectum holds the stool, and how well the rectum releases the stool. A small amount of liquid barium is released into the colon and rectum (through a tube inserted up into the rectum).
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): This test is done in the radiology department. It is an imaging test that is sometimes used to evaluate the pelvic organs.
Your doctor can raise questions about your condition and perform a physical examination that typically includes a visible scrutiny of your porta. an enquiry could also be wont to examine this space for nerve damage. Normally, this touching causes your sphincter ani to contract and your anus to pucker.
Medical tests
A number of tests are available to help pinpoint the cause of fecal incontinence:
Digital rectal exam. Your doctor inserts a gloved and greased finger into your body part to gauge the strength of your anatomical sphincter muscles and communicatingine|to visualize} for any abnormalities within the body part area. Throughout the exam your doctor might raise you in-tuned, to check for rectal prolapse.
Balloon expulsion test. A small balloon is inserted into the body part and crammed with water. You'll then be asked to travel to the restroom to expel the balloon. If it takes longer than one to 3 minutes to try and do so, you probably have a laxative disorder.
Anal manometry. A narrow, versatile tube is inserted into the asshole and rectum. a little balloon at the tip of the tube is also expanded. This take a look at helps live the tightness of your sphincter muscle and also the sensitivity and functioning of your rectum.
Anorectal ultrasonography. A narrow, wand-like instrument is inserted into the anus and rectum. The instrument produces video images that allow your doctor to evaluate the structure of your sphincter.
Proctography. X-ray video pictures are created whereas you've got a defecation on a specially designed toilet. Then take a look at measures what proportion stool your body part will hold and evaluate how well your body expels stool.
Colonoscopy. A flexible tube is inserted into your rectum to inspect the entire colon.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Magnetic resonance imaging can offer clear photos of the sphincter muscle to see if the muscles are intact and may additionally provide pictures throughout voiding (defecography).
Treatment Fecal incontinence
Medications
Depending on the cause of fecal incontinence, options include:
Anti-diarrheal drugs such as loperamide hydrochloride (Imodium A-D) and diphenoxylate and atropine sulfate (Lomotil)
Bulk laxatives such as methylcellulose (Citrucel) and psyllium (Metamucil), if chronic constipation is causing your incontinence
Exercise and other therapies
If muscle harm is inflicting dirty incontinence, your doctor might advocate a program of exercise and alternative therapies to revive muscle strength. These treatments will improve sphincter management and also the awareness of the urge to defecate.
Options include:
Kegel exercises. Kegel exercises strengthen the girdle floor muscles that support the bladder and internal organs and, in women, the uterus, and should facilitate cut back incontinence. To perform exercise, contract the muscles that you simply would ordinarily use to prevent the flow of urine. Hold the contraction for 3 seconds, then relax for three seconds. Repeat this pattern ten times. As your muscles strengthen, hold the contraction longer, bit by bit operating your far to 3 sets of 10 contractions each day.
Biofeedback. Specially trained physical therapists teach straightforward exercises which will increase anal muscle strength. individuals find out how to strengthen girdle floor muscles, sense once stool is prepared to be discharged and contract the muscles if having a laxative at a definite time is inconvenient. Typically the coaching is completed with the assistance of anal manometry and a body part balloon.
Bowel training. Your doctor might suggest creating an aware effort to own a bm at a particular time of day: for example, once eating. Establishing after you ought to use the restroom will assist you gain bigger control.
Bulking agents. Injections of nonabsorbable bulking agents can thicken the walls of your anus. This helps prevent leakage.
Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS). The sacral nerves run from your spinal cord to muscles in your pelvis, and regulate the sensation and strength of your rectal and anal sphincter muscles. Implanting a device that sends small electrical impulses continuously to the nerves can strengthen muscles in the bowel.
Posterior tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS/TENS). This minimally invasive treatment stimulates the posterior leg bone nerve at the ankle. In an exceedingly massive study, however, this medical care didn't persuade to be considerably higher than a placebo.
Vaginal balloon (Eclipse System). This is a pump-type device inserted within the vagina. The inflated balloon ends up in pressure on the body part area, resulting in a decrease in the variety of episodes of fecal incontinence.
Radiofrequency therapy. Known as the Secca procedure, this involves delivering temperature-controlled radiofrequency energy to the wall of the anal canal to assist improve muscle tone. Radiofrequency medical aid is minimally invasive and is mostly performed below anesthesia and sedation. However, this procedure isn't forever linked by insurance.
Surgery
Treating fecal incontinence could need surgery to correct AN underlying problem, corresponding to body part prolapse or musculus harm caused by childbirth. the choices include:
Sphincteroplasty. This procedure repairs a broken or weakened associate degree|musculus sphincter ani|sphincter|anatomical sphincter|sphincter muscle} that occurred throughout childbirth. Doctors determine an slashed space of muscle and free its edges from the encompassing tissue. They then bring the muscle edges back along and stitch them in an overlapping fashion, strengthening the muscle and adjusting the sphincter. Sphincteroplasty could also be a possibility for patients attempting to avoid colostomy.
Treating rectal prolapse, a rectocele or hemorrhoids. Surgical correction of those issues can probably scale back or eliminate dirty incontinence. Over time, the prolapse of the body part through the body part muscle damages the nerves and muscles of the sphincter. The longer the prolapse goes untreated, the higher the chance of fecal incontinence not partitioning when surgery.
Colostomy (bowel diversion). This surgery diverts stool through a niche at intervals in the abdomen. Doctors attach a special bag to this gap to collect the stool. surgery is sometimes thought-about only once various treatments haven't been successful.
medical treatments are available to treat fecal incontinence
Sphincteroplasty,Anal sphincter repair stitches are used to sew the damaged muscles back together (see below left). The overlapping and tightening of the muscles results in a tighter anal opening.
ACE procedureFecal incontinence is sometimes appropriate for patients. In this procedure, the surgeon creates a small pathway from the skin on the abdomen to the bowel. A small tube is inserted through which a daily enema/washout is given to clean out the stool.
Artificial bowel sphincterAn artificial device called a prosthesis is inserted around the anus to create the appearance of a normal anal muscle.
Sacral nerve stimulation Sacral nerve stimulation therapy uses a small, implanted device that sends mild electrical impulses to a nerve located in the lower back (the sacral nerve). This helps to influence the function of that nerve. To bladder the sphincter and pelvic floor muscles, you need to relax your bladder and muscles.
Colostomy.In this operation an opening is made in the abdomen through which the colon is brought to the surface of the skin. Stool is collected in a special pouch attached to the abdomen near the opening. This procedure is usually used when other treatment options have failed.
Get useful health and wellness information that is helpful and relevant.
Dietary tips
Changes to your diet are designed to avoid foods or drinks that may result in loose stools, including:
Caffeine and alcohol are in some fruit juices, prunes, and other foods.
Beans and cabbage family vegetables.
Spicy foods and cured or smoked meats.
Dairy products.
Artificial sweeteners.
Some foods that may help with fecal control include:
Bananas.
Apple sauce.
Peanut butter.
Pasta.
Potatoes.
Cheese.
Bowel training
There are two ways to train your bowel: one goal is to develop a regular bathroom habit. This can be accomplished by setting up a routine and following it daily. Taking an enema at regular times will help control the amount of stool removed and decrease the number of fecal accidents. Don't use an enema if you don't have a doctor's permission.
The goal of the second type of bowel training is to learn exercises that can strengthen the muscles around the anus. A therapist will teach you how to locate the correct muscles and perform the exercises using biofeedback.
Medications
Medicines to treat diarrhea are usually prescribed, including anti-diarrheal drugs and fiber supplements. These medications help to decrease movement of the stool through the intestine and make the stool firmer. Do not self-medicate with over-the-counter medications without first checking with your doctor.
Skin protection
To avoid anal skin irritation, moisturizers such as those used for diaper rash are applied to the skin. These products can be used over time, and adult diapers or clothing can be considered as needed. Underwear can help provide comfort. Don't use over-the-counter incontinence medications without first consulting your doctor.
Lifestyle and home remedies
You may be able to gain better control of your bowel movements by:
Keeping track of what you eat. What you eat and drink affects the consistency of your stools. create a listing of what you eat for a number of days. you'll discover an affiliation between bound foods and your bouts of incontinence. Once you've known downside foods, stop consuming them and see if your incontinence improves. Foods which will cause diarrhea or gas and worsen soiled incontinence embrace spicy foods, fatty and greasy foods, and farm products (if you're disaccharide intolerant). Caffeine-containing beverages and alcohol can also act as laxatives, as can products comparable to sugar-free gum and diet soda, that contain artificial sweeteners.
Getting adequate fiber. If constipation is inflicting feculent incontinence, your doctor could suggest consumption of fiber-rich foods. Fiber helps create stool soft and easier to control. If looseness of the bowels is tributary to the problem, high-fiber foods also can add bulk to your stools and make them less watery. Fiber is predominantly a gift in fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain breads and cereals. Aim for twenty five grams of fiber every day or more, however don't add it to your diet all at once. an excessive amount of fiber suddenly can cause uncomfortable bloating and gas.
Drink more water. To keep stools soft and formed, drink at least eight glasses of liquid, preferably water, a day.
Skin care
You can facilitate avoid additional discomfort from dirty incontinence by keeping the skin around your arse as clean and dry as doable. to alleviate anal discomfort and eliminate any possible odor related to fecal incontinence:
Wash with water. Gently wash the world with water when every intestine movement. Showering or soaking during a tub additionally might help. Thusap will dry and irritate the skin. So can rubbing with dry bathroom paper. Premoistened, alcohol-free, perfume-free towelettes or wipes is also an honest variety for cleansing the area.
Dry thoroughly. Allow the area to air-dry, if possible. If you're short on time, you can gently pat the area dry with toilet paper or a clean washcloth.
Apply a cream or powder. Moisture-barrier creams facilitate keeping irritated skin from having direct contact with feces. take care the realm is clean and dry before you apply any cream. Non Medicated dusting powder or cornflour conjointly could help relieve anal discomfort.
Wear cotton underwear and loose clothing. Tight articles of clothing will limit airflow, creating skin issues worse. amendment flyblown undergarment quickly. Once medical treatments can't fully eliminate incontinence, merchandise appreciate absorbent pads and disposable underwear can assist you manage the problem. If you utilize pads or adult diapers, make certain they need an absorbent wicking layer on top, to assist keep wet faraway from your skin.
Coping and support
For some people, as well as children, fecal incontinence could be a comparatively minor problem, restricted to occasional dirtying of their underwear. For others, the condition is often devastating thanks to an entire lack of gut control.
If you have fecal incontinence
You may feel reluctant to leave your house out of fear you might not make it to a toilet in time. To overcome that fear, try these practical tips:
Use the toilet right before you go out.
If you expect you'll be incontinent, wear a pad or a disposable undergarment.
Carry supplies for cleaning up and a change of clothing with you.
Know where toilets are located before you need them so that you can get to them quickly.
Use pills to reduce the smell of stool and gas (fecal deodorants) available over-the-counter.
Because fecal incontinence can be distressing, it's important to take steps to deal with it. Treatment can help improve your quality of life and raise your self-esteem.
Preparing for your appointment
You may begin by seeing your medical care provider. Or, you'll be referred like a shot to a doctor who specializes in treating biological process conditions (gastroenterologist). Here's some data to assist you prepare for your appointment.
What you can do
When you build the appointment, raise if there's something you wish to try and do in advance, adore fast before having a particular test. build an inventory of:
Your symptoms, including any that seem unrelated to the reason for your appointment
Key personal information, including major stresses, recent life changes and family medical history
All medications, vitamins or other supplements you take, including the doses
Bring a family member or friend with you if possible, to help you remember the information you're given
Make a list of questions to ask your doctor
For fecal incontinence, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:
What's likely causing my symptoms?
Other than the most likely cause, what are other possible causes for my symptoms?
What tests do I need?
Is my condition likely temporary or chronic?
What's the best course of action?
What are the alternatives to the primary approach you're suggesting?
I have other health conditions. Will treatment for fecal incontinence complicate my care for these conditions?
Are there restrictions I need to follow?
Should I see a specialist?
Are there brochures or other printed material I can have? What websites do you recommend?
What to expect from your doctor
Your doctor is likely to ask you several questions, such as:
When did your symptoms begin?
Have your symptoms been continuous or do they come and go?
How severe are your symptoms?
Does anything seem to improve your symptoms?
What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?
Do you avoid any activities because of your symptoms?
Do you have other conditions such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis or chronic constipation?
Do you have diarrhea?
Have you ever been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease?
Have you ever had radiation therapy to your pelvic area?
Were forceps used or did you have an episiotomy during childbirth?
Do you also have urinary incontinence?
What you can do in the meantime
Avoid foods or activities that worsen your symptoms. This would possibly embody avoiding caffeine, fatty or greasy foods, farm products, spicy foods, or something that creates your incontinence worse.
General summary
Fecal incontinence is the involuntary leakage of stool or gas from the rectum. It can range in severity from occasional leakage of gas to complete loss of control of the bowel. The causes can vary from intestinal diseases that are chronic or temporary, to certain medications and even neurological issues. Fecal incontinence can have a negative impact on an individual's quality of life and can cause embarrassment in social situations as well.
Fecal incontinence also known as rectal or bowel incontinence is an embarrassing and potentially humiliating problem that affects the way you live It occurs when people experience the involuntary loss of solid or liquid stool To treat it effectively a multidisciplinary team of health care providers will work with you to develop a comprehensive care plan that may include dietary management behavioral therapy and medications along with other techniques such as biofeedback.