Friday, October 11, 2013

Fecal Incontinence - 3 Tips to Manage the Condition


Nobody wants to think about fecal incontinence much less talk about it but if you suffer from this condition you know how big a life changer it can be. Even the most gregarious outgoing individual can become a social hermit if he or she develops fecal incontinence. The fear of a public accident can become overwhelming and keep the person home bound for the most part.

While this condition mostly occurs in older people, it can develop in anyone. The two biggest causes of this condition are constipation and diarrhea. That may sound contradictory but it's true. When a person has chronic constipation the hard stool blocks the anal canal building up pressure. Watery stool seeps around the blocking stool and is involuntarily discharged. The blockage can stretch and damage the muscles in the anus to the point that the individual can not control the movement.

Diarrhea would seem to be the more natural cause and almost everyone has experienced it due to colds, flu or a reaction to food. However, when diarrhea becomes chronic then it's time to visit the doctor to determine why.

So what can a person do if they suffer from fecal incontinence? The first thing of course is to get medical help. You may be prescribed a diet or medication to manage the condition. Secondly, carry a backpack with a change of clothes. This may seem like an excessive burden but it can be a huge lifesaver if you have an accident away from home.

Make sure you know the location of restrooms when you go out. Knowing where you can relieve yourself if need be reduces the anxiety of going out in public. And lastly, before you leave the house try to empty your bowels at home.

It's not a great position to be in but you can manage fecal incontinence effectively with a little planning.

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