FECAL INCONTINENCE MANAGEMENT
Fecal Incontinence Causes
Bowel control involves a combination of proper anal sphincter pressure, rectal sensation, and rectal storage capacity. Essentially the sphincter contracts and expands based on the messages received by the brain that the rectum is full. If any one of these three functions is misfiring, one of two types of fecal incontinence can occur, urge or passive.
Urge Fecal Incontinence - A result of damage to the anus, rectal, or pelvic floor muscles, a person is unable to control the timing of stool release despite knowing they have to go.
Passive Fecal Incontinence - A lack of rectal sensation prevents a person from knowing they are passing stool or mucus.
Common causes include diarrhea from inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome as well as rectal prolapse, constipation that weakens rectal muscles over time, rectal surgery or trauma, nerve damage from spinal or brain injury, and neurological illnesses like dementia, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease, stroke, or Type 2 Diabetes. Other conditions such as childbirth, hemorrhoids, and a lack of physical activity are often short-lived and easily treated.
Fecal Incontinence Treatments
Although treatment plans will vary depending on the severity and underlying cause of fecal incontinence, effective treatment is readily available. Please consult a physician to determine the best course of action for your personal condition. Treatment options may include:
- Dietary Changes
- Medicine including prescription and over-the-counter laxatives, stool softeners, or anti-diarrheals
- Pelvic floor exercises
- Bowel Training
- Biofeedback Therapy
- Sacral nerve stimulation
- Surgery including sphincteroplasty, artificial anal sphincter, colostomy or other rectal surgeries
BOWEL INCONTINENCE PRODUCTS
A premium European adult incontinence product that offers high level of leakage security and optimum comfort for end users. Features include specially designed leakage barriers, gentle Air Plus backing, designed to allow frequent pad changes, and improved care with lower costs.
Provides an excellent alternative to traditional methods of managing fecal incontinence such as pads, diapers, fecal pouches, and rectal tubes. Flexi-Seal FMS consists of a silicone catheter, syringe, and collection bag. At one end, the soft silicone catheter has a retention balloon that is inserted into the rectum. At the opposite end, the catheter has a connector for attaching the collection bag.
Disposable fecal collection systems for adults in a hospital, nursing facility, or at home are highly effective alternatives to diapers or pads. The Fecal Collector is a plastic pouch that attaches securely to the buttocks by means of a flexible and durable hydrocolloid skin barrier.
Dry-Lock® Containment Core, constructed of highly absorbent materials, helps keep skin dry and furniture protected. The strong backsheet material gives the ability to reposition patients weighing up to 350 lbs., while the breathable backing allows for use on a low airflow mattress.
Designed for heavy incontinence. A softer and more comfortable brief with superior absorbency. Excellent leakage protection provides a safe skin environment. Peach Mat core guarantees skin dryness, odor control, and pH neutralization. Komfort Monitor® moisture volume indicator, refastenable tape tabs for easy opening and closing, Kufguards® for containing bowel incontinence. latex-free.
Magic Bullet Suppositories are incorporated into Bowel Management programs for individuals with neurogenic bowels to help prevent unplanned bowel movements and other bowel problems such as constipation, diarrhea, and impaction.
BOWEL INCONTINENCE HOME REMEDIES
Home remedies are often the first line of defense for those suffering from mild fecal incontinence; but because bowel incontinence can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition, always consult your doctor before trying any home remedies. Popular home remedies include:
- Dietary Fiber: Eating foods rich in fiber like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, and high-fiber cereals can help to bulk up stool and reduce the risk of leakage. Over-the-counter fiber supplements are also available.
- Limit Caffeine Intake: Caffeine is a stimulant that can affect the rate of speed at which stool travels through the colon, limiting the time to bulk up the stool.
- Kegel Exercises: Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles can help to control the bowel. As consistency is key, aim to complete your exercise routine multiple times per day, for best results.
- Pads, Protective Underwear, & Ointments: Incontinence pads, adult diapers, and barrier ointments will help provide a sense of security and protect your skin from irritation.
- Over-the-Counter Medications: Anti-diarrheal medications can be effective in some cases; however, these products will not work if you have a weakened sphincter.
- Bowel Schedule: Placing yourself on a regular routine to pass stool can help to reduce sudden uncontrollable urges.
- Keep a Journal: By recording what you eat and drink each day, you may be able to determine which foods and beverages trigger your incontinence.
- Suppositories & Enemas: These products can help to regulate your bowel movements but should be used infrequently.
Although these options can be effective, it is imperative that a medical professional take part in planning your treatment whether you choose to try home remedies or other alternatives.