How to Identify Causes of Bowel Incontinence

Bowel incontinence can be very embarrassing. It's equally as serious. This condition strikes people in all walks of life. Knowing the causes of bowel incontinence can be a major step in overcoming a life-altering issue. Here's how to identify the causes of bowel incontinence.

Instructions

1. Determine if the patient has history of hemorrhoids or pregnancy. Hemorrhoids may loosen the anal wall. The same is true of pregnancy. Bowel incontinence often occurs when the anal wall is no longer strong enough to control fecal matter.

2. Find out what foods are being eaten. Rich foods that create loose or liquid fecal matter are harder to control than more solid fare. Large meals may also cause bowel incontinence because they overload the intestines too quickly. Eating healthy foods in healthy portions are helpful to the body in several. Bowel incontinence may be caused by the lack of fiber and a well-rounded diet.

3. Check the muscles of the anal sphincter. As people get older, these muscles are harder to control. They naturally become weaker over time and can lead to bowel incontinence. Nerve damage may also weaken the muscles of the anal wall. Trauma in this area of the body may eventually lead to bowel incontinence.

4. Get an annual physical. Make sure a cancer screening in the colon and rectal area are part of the physical examination. Cancer cells are often the leading cause of bowel incontinence. This may be avoided, however, with early screening. The brief discomfort of getting an exam may be worth it in the long run.