Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is a progressive autoimmune disorder that causes degradation of myelin, the protective covering that surrounds nerves in the body. People with this condition can experience symptoms throughout the body, including balance and coordination problems; vision difficulties; emotional changes; and sexual, bladder or bowel dysfunction. Bowel symptoms of MS affect nearly 70 percent of patients, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Patients with MS who experience bowel dysfunction should consult a physician to discuss ways to manage these uncomfortable symptoms.
Constipation
Constipation is the most common bowel symptom experienced by people who have MS, the National MS Society reports. This bowel movement symptom occurs when ingested food products move too slowly along the digestive tract, causing the body to absorb too much water from the stool. When this occurs, the stool becomes unusually firm or solid, making it difficult for a person to produce a bowel movement. People with MS can experience constipation due to limited physical activity or poor dietary intake. Nerve dysfunction caused by MS may also interfere with the ability of the bowel to send a nerve signal to the brain expressing the need to produce a bowel movement. Additionally, constipation can contribute to abdominal cramping, bloating, fullness or discomfort in affected people.
Diarrhea
Certain people also experience diarrhea as a bowel symptom of MS, reports nurse Lynne Walker, of the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs. Diarrhea occurs when the bowel contents progress too rapidly along the digestive tract, resulting in frequent bowel movements that yield watery, loose stools. Chronic diarrhea can also contribute to dehydration or poor nutrient absorption in people with MS.
Fecal Incontinence
Fecal incontinence is a bowel symptom of MS that causes involuntary bowel movements, the Cleveland Clinic reports. Uncontrolled stool production is embarrassing and can cause people with MS to frequently soil their underwear or clothing. Fecal incontinence occurs as a consequence of MS due to nerve signaling malfunctions between the bowel and the brain.
References
- National MS Society: Bowel Problems: The Basic Facts: Multiple Sclerosis
- Cleveland Clinic: Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction in Multiple Sclerosis
- Multiple Sclerosis Trust: Bowel Dysfunction
- U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs: Bowel Dysfunction in Multiple Sclerosis
- Mayo Clinic: Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms
