What Causes Fecal Incontinence?
The inability to control bowel movements is known as fecal incontinence. When afflicted, the sufferer has no choice over when and where a movement may occur. Clearly, this condition can complicate life at work, at home and in social settings. While people take strong measures to minimize the embarrassment this causes — adult diapers, fasting e.g. — the most effective measures will into account the reasons for this ailment. What exactly is happening when an individual experiences fecal incontinence and cannot regulate the evacuation of excrement? Colon and rectal experts at Arizona Hemerrhoid and Anorectal Center are here to help uncover the root causes of fecal incontinence.
Symptom of a Symptom
Diarrhea
Most of us are familiar with the loose and diluted stool that accompanies diarrhea. Here, too, bowels move more frequently, often against the will. Much of the time this annoying problem passes within a day or so. However, prolonged diarrhea can be a symptom of an infection or another problem like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In such cases, these illnesses respond to dietary changes, over-the-counter and prescription medications. In extreme cases of IBD, surgery is the necessary option. When these disorders are corrected, fecal incontinence likewise recedes.
Constipation
Though it might seem counter-intuitive, the Mayo Clinic also links fecal incontinence with another symptom: constipation. In fact, incontinence can occur in conjunction with constipation, particularly among the aged. Those who pass fewer than three stools in a seven-day period classify as constipated. Medications, nerve damage and muscular dysfunctions can bring on constipation. Depending on the actual cause, fecal incontinence can alternate with the symptoms of constipation. Again, there are medicinal treatments to relieve constipation should it become an ongoing matter. Yetthe best remedies deal with underlying conditions like IBS, multiple sclerosis or an overactive thyroid.
Injuries to Muscles and Nerves
The process of moving stool is complex when all of the anatomical tissues are taken into account. Intrinsic nerves operate along the digestive tract to release digestive substances and regulate the speed of digestion. Meanwhile, vagal nerves coordinate messages between brain and digestive organs. Sacral nerves and the enteric nervous system stimulate the sphincter and other muscles to expand and contract, pushing the food and waste through the gut. If any of these components suffer injury or dysfunction, fecal incontinence might result. Spinal cord trauma, stroke, birth defects and even childbirth can cause such issues.
Talk to a Doctor Right Away
The good news is that these causes are treatable and — if not curable — their symptoms like fecal incontinence are subject to significant relief. Physicians and surgeons trained in colon and rectal care are available for consultation, examination and remedial procedures.
Schedule a Consultation
The doctors at the Arizona Hemorrhoid & Anorectal Center are no strangers to the medical problems explained above, specifically fecal incontinence. They also specialize in the treatment of hemorrhoids, rectal prolapse and anal cancer, among other illnesses. Located in Queen Creek/San Tan and Chandler, this practice stands ready to help. To schedule a consultation, fill out our online contact form.