Fecal Incontinence
Fecal Incontinence Causes
Lack of anal sphincter control or reduced consciousness of the urge to move bowel is the main cause of fecal incontinence. Conditions that can cause fecal incontinence are constipation, diarrhea, muscle damage, nerve damage, the lack of ability of the rectum to accommodate, surgery, rectal cancer, muscle strength loss due to age, chronic laxative user. Other conditions include rectal prolapse, rectocele for women and hemorrhoids.
Fecal Incontinence Definition
The inability to take control of bowel movements which causes the stool to drip from the rectum unexpectedly
Fecal Incontinence Diagnosis
The doctor will ask questions like how often you experience the lack of ability to control bowels. Physical examination is also performed like visual inspection of the anus and the region lying among the anus and genitals for hemorroids, infections and other conditions. Digital exam is also performed to evaluate the strength of sphincter muscles and check for anomalies of the rectal area.
Fecal Incontinence Symptoms and Signs
It can be accompanied by other problems with bowel like diarrhea, constipation, gas and bloating and abdominal cramps.
Fecal Incontinence Treatment
Dietary change: the doctor will recommend a diet that aids in gaining good stool consistency. Medications: anti-diarrheal drugs, laxatives, stool softeners Bowel training: learning to go to the toilet at a particular time of the day Stool impaction treatment: the doctor inserts two fingers into the rectum to split impacted stool Surgical options if other treatments did not work. Sacral nerve stimulation