परिभाषा

Fecal incontinence is the loss of control over the bowels. Some people may have uncontrolled release of just gas and liquid stool. Others have no control over the release of solid waste. Many people with this condition also have trouble controlling the release of urine.

This condition can lead to issues, such as depression or isolation. If you think you have this condition, contact your doctor right away.

का कारण बनता है

Women are more likely to suffer from this condition than men are. Many cases are a result of an injury to the pelvic floor. The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that support pelvic organs. Injury can happen through pregnancy or delivery. Other causes include:

  • कब्ज़
  • Rectal prolapse
  • Congenital abnormality (condition present from birth)
  • Trauma or injury to anal sphincter or its nerves (the healthy sphincter opens and closes to control the release of fecal material)
  • दस्त
  • Scarring of the rectum from irritable bowel syndrome, radiation therapy, or surgery
  • Anal abscess or perirectal abscess

मल असंयम

जोखिम कारक

जोखिम कारकों में शामिल हैं:

  • लिंग महिला
  • History of episiotomy
  • बड़ी उम्र
  • Diseases of the nervous system (eg, stroke)
  • Damage to the spinal cord (eg, cauda equina syndrome)
  • Other risk factors thought to contribute to fecal incontinence include:
    • मधुमेह
    • अवसाद
    • शारीरिक गतिविधि का अभाव
    • अधिक वजन होने के नाते

लक्षण

The main symptom is the inability to control bowel movements, which leads to stool leakage.

मुझे अपने डॉक्टर को कब बुलाना चाहिए?

Call your doctor if you have fecal incontinence. Your doctor can help find the underlying cause.

निदान

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Your doctor may send you to a specialist, such as:

  • जठरांत्र चिकित्सक
  • Colorectal surgeon
  • Proctologist

परीक्षण शामिल हो सकते हैं निम्नलिखित:

  • Anorectal manometry—test that uses a catheter to check pressure in the anal canal while resting and squeezing
  • Pudendal nerve terminal motor latency (PNTML) testing—test that uses an electrode in the anal canal to evaluate how well the nerves are working
  • Endoanal ultrasound—test that uses sound waves to make a picture; used to detect any injury to anal sphincter muscles
  • Proctosigmoidoscopy—test that uses a thin, lighted tube inside the rectum; used to examine the rectum and lower colon for injury or disease
  • Defecography—test that uses x-rays and dye to look at the bowel and how it functions

उपचार

आपके लिए सर्वोत्तम योजना के बारे में अपने डॉक्टर से बात करें। विकल्पों में शामिल हैं:

आहार

Your doctor may suggest changes to your diet. You may be referred to a nutritionist for diet ideas. Examples of dietary changes include:

  • अधिक बार छोटे-छोटे भोजन करना
  • Avoiding foods that may trigger diarrhea (Spicy food or foods with caffeine are common culprits.)
  • Eating more fiber and drinking more fluids (if incontinence is due to constipation)

उपकरण

Absorbent diapers are often used with fecal incontinence. Another option is an anal plug. These plugs, which are available in a variety sizes and shapes, may be helpful for some people to control symptoms.

Bowel Training

Your doctor may suggest using biofeedback. This method can retrain your body’s responses.

A bowel movement schedule can also train your bowels. For example, you can pick four times throughout the day to try to go to the bathroom.

व्यायाम

Learn how to do Kegel exercises. These exercises help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles.

सर्जरी

Surgical procedures may be used to treat this condition when other treatments have failed. Examples include:

  • An overlapping sphincteroplasty to rebuild the anal sphincter
  • Injecting bulking agents, radiofrequency therapy, and/or nerve stimulation
  • Inserting an artificial bowel sphincter (which you can open and close as needed)
  • Colostomy (done in severe cases)—disconnects the colon and brings the end through an opening in the abdomen

रोकथाम

To help reduce your chance of getting fecal incontinence, take the following steps:

  • Prevent constipation by eating a high-fiber diet and drinking plenty of fluids.
  • Pay attention to your diet and avoid foods that trigger diarrhea.
  • Try to maintain a regular bowel movement schedule.
  • Talk to your doctor if you are having trouble with diarrhea or constipation.
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