Fecal Incontinence: Types and Causes

Ok, now let’s take a look at fecal incontinence.

First, let’s look at the different types of fecal incontinence.

• Types       Urge       Passive       Seepage • Causes       Muscle or nerve damage       Diarrhea or constipation       Hemorrhoids       Surgery       Loss of rectal capacity       Rectal prolapse or rectocele

In the case of urge incontinence, this is when the person can’t stop a sudden urge to defecate and may be unable to get to a bathroom in time.

Passive fecal incontinence is when the person is not aware of the sensation (or urge) to pass a stool.

And seepage is defined as the unintentional passing of stool that can happen after a normal bowel movement.

The causes of fecal incontinence can include damage to the anal sphincter muscles, which can occur in childbirth – especially in the cases of an episiotomy or if forceps are used.

Diarrhea with liquid stools may be harder to hold in the rectum, which can cause incontinence.

Chronic constipation can lead to large stools, and stretched and eventually weakened rectal and intestinal muscles and nerve damage.

Hemorrhoids are characterized by swollen rectal veins, which can lead to leakage if the anus does not completely close. Surgery that involves the rectum and anus can also result in fecal incontinence.

Rectal prolapse, which is when the rectum drops down into the anus and stretches the rectal sphincter, can damage the rectal sphincter-controlling nerves. And with women, rectocele, which is when the rectum protrudes through the vagina, can lead to fecal incontinence.

 

Risk Factors Associated with Fecal Incontinence

Fecal incontinence is more common in women due to the stresses of childbirth.

Gender Aging Chronic diseases and conditions Previous gall bladder removal Low physical activity, immobility Some medications Others

Age is independently related to fecal incontinence in both men and women, especially beyond 65 years old. The prevalence of fecal incontinence increases with age, hospitalization, and institutionalization. Beyond the age of 50, the incidence of fecal incontinence is estimated at 7% per every 10 years. And, as mentioned at the beginning of the program, nearly half of all institutionalized patients may have fecal incontinence.

Patients who have had their gall bladder removed may be at a higher risk of leakage because an increased amount of bile may be in the small intestine, which causes a laxative effect.

Low levels of physical activity can compromise muscle tone and function and immobility and dementia can reduce the ability to reach the toilet in time to defecate normally.

And it should be mentioned that the consumption of excessive sugar alcohols used as sweeteners, such as xylitol, sorbitol, and mannitol (the sweeteners found in chewing gum and some candies), may increase the risk for fecal incontinence.

Some medications also may contribute to fecal incontinence, including antacids with magnesium, and drugs like Prilosec (omeprazole) and Nexium (esomeprazole). Heart medications that include quinine or digitalis have also been implicated.