Fecal incontinence or bowel leakage is a condition that affects many people all over the world, for it encompasses the expulsion of feces or mucus through the rectum against one’s will, which may cause discomfit, embarrassment, and anxiety.
As much as incontinence may be related to aging, whether fecal incontinence or urinary incontinence, it’s also apparent in the young aged due to underlying factors. Therefore, it is essential to comprehend the signs, causes, and available treatments for bowel leaks to manage the problem and enhance the quality of life.
Symptoms of Bowel Leakage
Bowel leakage can be mild, in which one experiences occasional staining, to severe, where the situation is characterized by constant and involuntary passage of stool or mucus. The most common symptoms include.
Stool Leakage:
Involuntary expulsion of liquid or formed stool is one of the major signs of the condition. Some of it can occur due to activities like coughing, sneezing, or exertion, or it may happen at random.
Mucus Leakage:
Some people experience the passage of mucus from the rectum, sometimes with a sensation of itchiness or burning around the anus.
Urgency:
Another common sign is an urgent need for defecation or bowel movement, which can occur even if the rectum is not full.
Incomplete Evacuation:
People may experience the sensation that their bowel movements are not finished, which results in constant discomfort and the requirement to go to the washroom after defecation.
Itching and Irritation:
Being in contact with moisture all the time or touching stool or mucus can cause itching, mild irritation, and even skin breakdown around the anus.
Odor:
The leakage of the bowel area can lead to an unpleasant smell arising from the leakage of fecal matter or mucus, leading to embarrassment and social anxiety.
Causes of Bowel Leakage
Bowel leakage can be caused by many reasons, including injury to the nerves or muscles in the pelvic area and medical causes. Below, you will find the most common causes of bowel leakage.
Weak Pelvic Floor Muscles:
The major role of the pelvic floor muscles is to help control the bowels. These muscles may become damaged during childbirth, aging, or after surgery, leading to fecal incontinence or enuresis in adults.
Nerve Damage:
The nerves that supply the rectal and bowel sphincters may be affected; that is why patients may lose sensation and control over the smooth muscles of the pelvic floor. This can be a result of diseases such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, or constipation for a long period of time.
Chronic Diarrhea:
Some of the common conditions associated with bowel leakage include chronic diarrhea, IBS, IBD, or infections that causes a loose bowel movement.
Rectal Prolapse:
Rectal prolapse is characterized by the protrusion of the rectum through the anus accompanied by weakness of the muscles and the tissues that are involved in the process of bowel movement. He or she can, therefore, end up with fecal incontinence.
Hemorrhoids:
Piles are the condition arising from the swollen vessels in the rectum and anus area that hinder the normal course and other bowel activities and thereby results in leakage.
Bowel Surgery:
Damage to the muscle or nerve which controls the function of the anus can result in fecal incontinence after surgery of the anus or rectum, such as hemorrhoidectomy or sphincterotomy.
Radiation Therapy:
Radiotherapy that patients with pelleted or rectal cancers receive usually affects the tissues and nerves in the vicinity of the pelvic area, leading to fecal incontinence.
Neurological Disorders:
As for the diseases that affect the nervous system, for example, Parkinson’s, stroke, or dementia, the patient loses control over the bowel, which leads to leakage.
Childbirth-Related Trauma:
Vaginal delivery is another reason for incontinence after childbirth, especially when the child is delivered via instrumental or forceps delivery since this puts pressure on the pelvic floor muscles and bowel sphincter and results in incontinence.
Aging:
The muscles and tissues that are usually involved in handling and controlling bowel movements weaken as one gains in age, leading to bowel leakage.
Diagnosis of Bowel Leakage
Diagnosis of bowel leakage requires a complete evaluation from a healthcare advisor. The prescribed diagnosis process may include the following.
Medical History:
The doctor will begin by asking the patient some questions with regard to bowel movements and habits, past surgeries, childbirth, and other illnesses that might be present.
Physical Examination:
The general physical examination may include a digital rectal examination to check the condition of the internal and external bowel sphincter and to feel for any masses, such as hemorrhoids or rectal prolapse.
Defecography:
This imaging test involves obtaining X-Ray or MRI pictures of the rectum and anus while making a bowel movement to assess muscle coordination and function with regard to defecation.
Colonoscopy:
Colonoscopy is another procedure that may be conducted to check for any signs of inflammation, tumors, or other changes that may cause leaks around the anus.
Treatment Options for Bowel Leakage
The bowel leakage treatment is based on the cause and the degree of the problem present. For many patients, symptoms can be well managed through modifying their diet and exercising, taking appropriate medication, and, in some instances, surgery. The popular treatment methods are as follows.
Dietary Changes
It is recommended to add more fiber to the diet to avoid constipation and more frequent loose bowel movements that lead to bowel leakage.
These include fruits, vegetables, whole grain products, and legumes, among others, since they contain high levels of fiber.
Also, it is crucial to maintain adequate water intake and avoid foods that can cause the worsening of the condition, such as caffeine, alcohol, and spices.
Medications and Products
There are several types of drug medications and products that can be used to address the problem of bowel leakage, depending on the root cause.
For instance, loperamide, which is a drug used in managing diarrhea, may prove useful in managing chronic diarrhea as it will help decrease the rate of bowel movements and also the consistency of the stool.
On the other hand, for patients with constipation, laxatives or stool softeners may be prescribed.
In addition to medications, there are various products designed to manage the symptoms and provide comfort to those with bowel incontinence.
Disposable briefs for adults from Superio are popular for offering discreet protection and effectively absorbing leaks. Bowel incontinence products, including specialized bowel leakage pads and bed pads, help protect clothing and bedding from accidental soiling, providing peace of mind in daily life.
Sphincteroplasty
Sphincteroplasty is a surgical technique used in the management of patients with compromised or divided external bowel sphincter muscle.
This operation is usually advised for patients who have sustained an injury on the sphincter, for example, through childbirth.
Bottomline
Bowel leakage is a common symptom of many conditions and injuries. It can happen to anyone, regardless of age, whether someone is old or young.
However, if someone does suffer from this medical condition, it is important to see a doctor before the situation gets worse. Take charge of your well-being and regain control of your bowel movements. So go out, schedule an appointment today, and start your journey towards a life filled with relief and confidence.
