Fecal incontinence--the loss of bowel control--affects more than 5 million Americans, according to the National Digestive DIseases Information Clearinghouse. This form of incontinence may be characterized by the inability to make it to the restroom in time when the urge to move the bowels strikes, or leakage of fecal matter that may occur when passing gas. People may experience one or both symptoms of fecal incontinence at various times. Fecal incontinence can be very embarrassing and may be the result of nerve or muscle damage to the anal sphincter. Constipation, diarrhea and even a stomach flu may also cause fecal incontinence. Treating the underlying cause for incontinence can help end this bowel disorder.
Dietary Adjustments
NDDIC suggests that people who experience fecal incontinence stemming from either diarrhea or constipation make some adjustments to their diet and eating patterns. Fiber helps keep stools bulky and formed so that they travel through the digestive system easily. Increase fiber gradually; the body may not always adjust to large amounts of fiber all at once, giving a person diarrhea that may lead to fecal leakage. Drink plenty of fluids to combat constipation. Keep a food journal to determine whether certain foods correspond with bouts of fecal incontinence. Some people who experience this condition find relief by eating several small meals and snacks throughout the day instead of three large meals.
Timed Voiding
Timed voiding, also called bowel training, is a technique used to treat fecal incontinence. This treatment method may be effective for those who have sudden urges to void and can't get to the bathroom in time. Timed voiding means using the bathroom on a schedule. The routine can help a person learn when he needs to move his bowels and may help strengthen weak sphincter muscles. Biofeedback or nerve stimulation treatments may be used in conjunction with bowel training to "teach" the damaged nerves and muscles how to respond correctly.
Medication
Fecal incontinence may be treated with medication if the primary reason for the problem is frequent or severe bouts of diarrhea. Anti-diarrheal drugs such as loperamide are used to treat diarrhea. Other drugs may help remove some of the water content of the stool. Laxative medications may be prescribed to ease constipation that causes fecal incontinence.
Surgery
If the anal sphincter muscles or nerves no longer function properly and cause a person to become incontinent, surgery may be the best way to restore normal bowel control. The Mayo Clinic explains that there are several different procedures that can be performed to repair or replace the sphincter, but these are generally seen as "last resort" methods.
