Faecal incontinence is the loss of bowel control, resulting in involuntary passage of faeces. The ability to hold stool and maintain continence requires normal function of the rectum, anus and the nervous system.
This can be characterized by the occasional leakage of stool with the passage of gas or the complete loss of bowel control
Common causes
- Constipation – causes a weakening of anus and intestines
- Impacted stool in rectum
- Severe diarrhoea
- Anal sphincter muscle damage
- Nerve or other muscle damage
- Gynaecological, prostate or rectal surgery
- Chronic laxative abuse
Typical treatment
Lifestyle intervention
It can help to change the diet: eliminate alcohol and caffeine, and add more fibre to increase bulk of stool.
Bowel retraining
Bowel retraining can help promote a better muscle tone.
Interventions
- Absorbent incontinence products
- Medication such as Loperamide (Imodium) to control diarrhoea and potentially eliminate incontinence
- Surgical treatment to rectify clearly identified cause