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Fecal Incontinence
Tips for Caregivers for Managing the Condition
By Kelly Burgess
When a loved one develops fecal incontinence, it can be a daunting experience for a caregiver. Fecal incontinence, also known as bowel incontinence, is the loss of normal control of the bowels, which leads to stool leaking from the rectum. There are many causes for fecal incontinence, but what's more important to know is that there are also many treatments, and it can often be managed very successfully.
Bowel incontinence can occur for a variety of reasons. Conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or Crohn's disease almost always cause some problems with control. In a person suffering from a chronic illness such as cancer, a heart condition, stroke or Alzheimer's, the incontinence may be a result of the worsening of their condition. They may no longer be able to control their bowels enough to make it to the toilet.
In other cases, the incontinence may be a result of lactose intolerance or other food sensitivities, allergies or dietary issues. Many times these problems lead to diarrhea, which, strictly speaking, is not true incontinence, but it can cause bowel leakage. It's very important for your loved one to see a doctor immediately if the diarrhea continues, as it can lead to dehydration.
Surprisingly, one of the most common causes of bowel incontinence is constipation, says Dr. Massarat Zutshi, a colorectal surgeon at the Cleveland Clinic's Digestive Disease Center. With constipation, the bowel may be blocked, but liquid can leak around the obstruction. In that case, clearing up the constipation will often solve the problem.
"To identify the cause of the incontinence, the first step is to consult with a doctor," Dr. Zutshi says. "Also, let the doctor know what you're seeing with the incontinence. Is it just a bit of staining, or is it entire bowel movements? Are the movements very loose or are they solid? These observations will help to pinpoint the reasons for the incontinence."
