Bowel Incontinence
Bowel incontinence is the accidental discharge of faeces from the rectum due to muscles not working properly or nerve issues. This can occur during activities like coughing, sneezing, or after surgery for anorectal disorders.
In this article, we'll cover:
- What causes bowel incontinence
- How to prevent bowel incontinence
- Managing bowel incontinence effectively
What Causes Bowel Incontinence?
Bowel incontinence can happen to anyone and doesn't have to be a lifelong problem. It's one of the most common reasons people visit their GP. Similar conditions like constipation, diarrhoea, or abdominal pain may have overlapping symptoms, so discussing them with a doctor can help identify the cause.
Can Bowel Incontinence Be Prevented?
While it’s impossible to completely prevent bowel incontinence, several strategies can reduce the risk:
- Identify the Cause: Recognise the underlying cause of your symptoms and seek treatment before considering surgery.
- Stay Active: Physical activity improves bowel movement, but if you're older and fall regularly, anxiety about being active can worsen incontinence.
Managing Bowel Incontinence
If you have bowel incontinence, reviewing your diet is essential. Consider the following dietary changes:
- Avoid Constipating Foods: High-fibre diets and excessive dairy can lead to constipation. Low-fibre foods and adequate hydration are helpful.
- Limit Caffeine: Drinks high in caffeine, like tea, coffee, and energy drinks, can irritate the bladder and worsen incontinence. Opt for water instead.
- Minimise Trigger Foods: Beans, nuts, and fish can delay defaecation and cause discomfort. Drinking water and reducing fibre intake can help.
When to See Your GP
It's crucial to talk to your GP if:
- Your symptoms don't improve after a few weeks of treatment.
- You experience additional issues like stomach pain, bloating, or persistent constipation.
- You notice blood in your stools or unexplained weight loss.
These could indicate more serious bowel issues, so seeking professional medical advice is vital.
Treatment Options for Bowel Incontinence
If lifestyle changes don’t improve your symptoms, there are other treatment options available, such as medications or surgery. To explore surgical options, search online for "bowel incontinence surgery", but always consult your doctor to discuss treatments available in your area.
Feel free to explore our full range of incontinence solutions here!
Bladder and bowel incontinence may be caused by conditions which can be treated medically. Please consult your physician for medical advice and guidance.
