An Overview of Bowel Incontinence
An Overview of Bowel Incontinence
Bowel incontinence is also known as fecal incontinence. It occurs when one has difficulty managing or controlling one's bowel movements.
During Bowel Incontinence, without your control, the stool (feces/waste) leaks out. Depending on its causes, treatment can include dietary changes, exercises, medications, or surgery.
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What are the Signs and Symptoms of Bowel Incontinence?
Signs and symptoms of bowel incontinence include:
- The poop leaking when you pass gas.
- Poop leaking during physical activity.
- Feeling like you have to poop but being unable to make it in time.
- After a regular bowel movement, find poop in your underwear.
What Causes Bowel Incontinence?
Causes of bowel incontinence:
- Issues with the muscles that control bowel movements (urge incontinence).
- Nerve-related communication problems between muscles and the rectum (passive incontinence).
Prevention and Management of Bowel Incontinence
Preventive measures to improve or prevent bowel incontinence:
- Reduce constipation by increasing exercise, consuming more high-fiber foods, and drinking plenty of fluids.
- Control diarrhea by treating or eliminating the cause (e.g., intestinal infection).
Remember that bowel incontinence is common, affecting approximately 1 in 3 people. If you experience any of these symptoms, consider seeking medical advice for proper evaluation and personalised recommendations.
Treatment options for Bowel incontinence
There are multiple treatment options available for the bowel incontinence condition;
Self-Care Measures
- Regular exercise, a high-fiber diet, and staying hydrated can help prevent constipation, which may contribute to incontinence.
- Avoid straining while passing stools.
- Consider adopting a sitting or squatting position to avoid straining
Medications
- Anti-diarrheal drugs like loperamide (Imodium A-D) or those containing diphenoxylate and atropine (Lomotil) can help manage diarrhea-related incontinence.
- Bulk laxatives such as Methylcellulose and Psyllium may be useful if chronic constipation is causing your incontinence.
Exercise and Therapies
- Kegel exercises strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which support the bladder and bowel. These exercises can improve anal sphincter control and awareness of the urge to defecate.
- Is muscle damage causing bowel incontinence? Then, your physician may recommend a set of exercises and therapies that restore your muscle strength.
Remember that simple treatments, such as diet changes, medications, bowel training, and pelvic floor exercises, can significantly improve symptoms in many cases.
If you experience bowel incontinence, consult a General Physician or Gastroenterologist for personalised recommendations and management options.
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