Bowel Incontinence: Causes, Symptoms and Remedies
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.
In some people, bowel incontinence is mild, as might occur rarely and occasionally where one might leak a few drops of feces while in other cases it can be severe where there are frequent substantial inability to control the stool.
Types of Fecal Incontinence
There are several types of fecal incontinence based on the severity and underlying cause:
- Passive Incontinence: This type occurs without the person being aware, leading to unexpected leakage.
- Urgency Incontinence: A strong, sudden urge to defecate followed by involuntary loss of stool.
- Flatus Incontinence: Inability to control the release of gas, which may be a less severe form of incontinence.
- Diarrheal Incontinence: This type is caused by diarrhea, often due to infection or gastrointestinal conditions.
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Get A Second OpinionSymptoms of Bowel Incontinence
Bowel incontinence can present itself in various ways. The primary symptoms include:
- Uncontrolled Loss of Stool: This is the most noticeable symptom and may range from slight leakage to complete loss of control over bowel movements.
- Urgency: People with bowel incontinence often feel a sudden, intense urge to have a bowel movement, which is hard to control.
- Gas Leakage: In some cases, individuals may experience a loss of control over the release of gas.
- Discomfort or Pain: Abdominal cramps, bloating, or pain associated with incontinence are common. Some people may also experience rectal discomfort.
- Fecal Soiling: Sometimes, incontinence may only occur in the form of soiling or staining of underwear, rather than full-blown accidents.
It’s important to recognize that these symptoms are not just a part of aging, and they often signal a treatable or manageable condition.
Causes of Bowel Incontinence
Bowel incontinence can result from various causes, affecting the muscles, nerves, or structures involved in bowel control. Some of the most common causes include:
- Muscle Damage: The anal sphincter muscles play a key role in controlling bowel movements. When these muscles become weakened or damaged—due to injury, childbirth, or surgery—it can result in bowel incontinence.
- Nerve Damage: Nerve damage from conditions like diabetes, multiple sclerosis, or spinal cord injuries can interfere with the ability to control bowel movements. The nerves that control the muscles around the rectum may not send the proper signals to maintain control.
- Chronic Constipation: Straining during bowel movements, which is common in those with chronic constipation, can damage or stretch the anal sphincter muscles. This can weaken the muscles over time and cause incontinence.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis can cause inflammation in the digestive tract, resulting in symptoms such as diarrhea and incontinence.
- Aging: As we age, the muscles and nerves that control bowel movements tend to weaken. This natural decline in muscle and nerve function can increase the risk of bowel incontinence.
- Childbirth: Women who have had multiple vaginal deliveries may experience damage to the pelvic floor muscles or nerves, leading to fecal incontinence.
Diagnosis of Bowel Incontinence
If you experience symptoms of bowel incontinence, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis. Diagnostic tests may include:
- Physical Examination: A doctor will perform a digital rectal exam to assess muscle tone and check for signs of injury or abnormality.
- Endoscopy: A colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy may be recommended to examine the colon and rectum for underlying issues such as inflammation, ulcers, or other abnormalities.
- Anorectal Manometry: This test measures the strength and coordination of the muscles that control bowel movements.
- Imaging Tests: In some cases, MRI or CT scans may be used to assess the pelvic floor and rule out any structural issues.
Signs of Bowel Incontinence
Some common signs of bowel incontinence include:
- Involuntary Loss of Stool: Any unexpected leakage of stool or gas, even if small, may indicate an issue with bowel control.
- Sudden Urges: Experiencing a strong, sudden urge to have a bowel movement that is hard to control may be an early sign.
- Discomfort: Pain, cramping, or bloating associated with bowel movements can be symptoms of underlying bowel issues.
Risk Factors of Bowel Incontinence
Certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing bowel incontinence:
- Age: Older adults are at a higher risk due to muscle and nerve weakening.
- Childbirth: Vaginal childbirth can cause injury to the pelvic floor muscles and nerves.
- Chronic Conditions: Diabetes, IBD, and neurological diseases can interfere with nerve and muscle function.
- Obesity: Excess weight puts additional pressure on the pelvic floor, increasing the risk of incontinence.
Treatment of 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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Book an AppointmentPrevention of Bowel Incontinence
While bowel incontinence may not always be preventable, there are several ways to reduce the risk:
- Maintain a Healthy Diet: Eating a balanced diet rich in fiber can prevent constipation and promote regular, healthy bowel movements.
- Exercise Regularly: Staying active helps strengthen the pelvic floor and improves bowel function.
- Avoid Straining: Straining during bowel movements can weaken the anal muscles, increasing the risk of incontinence.
- Manage Chronic Conditions: Properly managing conditions such as diabetes, IBD, and neurological diseases can prevent nerve damage that may lead to incontinence.
Home Remedies for Bowel Incontinence
In addition to medical treatments, several home remedies can alleviate the symptoms of bowel incontinence:
- Dietary Changes: Increasing fiber intake can help ensure more consistent, solid bowel movements. Adding fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to your diet helps avoid both constipation and diarrhea.
- Hydration: Drinking plenty of water is crucial for bowel health. Dehydration can lead to constipation and worsen incontinence.
- Regular Bathroom Schedule: Try to establish a regular routine for bowel movements. This can help condition your body to expect a bowel movement at certain times of the day, making it easier to control.
- Avoid Trigger Foods: Certain foods, like spicy items, caffeine, and artificial sweeteners, can irritate the bowel and increase the risk of incontinence. Monitoring your food intake and avoiding triggers can help reduce symptoms.
