Living With Bowel Incontinence

What is bowel incontinence and what causes the condition? Bowel incontinence is a condition where feces escapes the bowel due to weakened or damaged sphincter muscles. It is a condition that affects mostly adults and elderly, although some children can also be affected by this condition. Bowel incontinence is not a condition that is regularly heard of, for the most part, people don't always go to the doctor due to the embarrassment that the condition causes. However, if you have bowel incontinence, then you should consult with your physician as it is a treatable condition.

So, what are the common causes of bowel incontinence? The following is a list of the things that could contribute to bringing on the condition:

=> Constipation-This condition stretches the muscle, weakening it by doing so.

=> A damages Sphincter Muscle-This muscle helps to keep feces inside the bowel. This is most commonly brought about by child birth or surgery for hemorrhoids.

=> Diarrhea-This is a temporary problem often caused by viral or bacterial infections. Its much easier to control solid matter then to control loose bowel motions.

=> Loss of Storage Capacity-This is caused through stretched rectum walls which can become stiff, which causes less elasticity in the wall of the bowel.

=> Dysfunctional Pelvic Floor-This includes abnormalities such as impaired anal sensation, a decrease in anal canal pressure, weakness of the pelvic floor muscles which can also lead to bowel incontinence and a prolapsed rectum.

=> Bowel incontinence can also come about due to nerve damage to the anal sphincter muscle.

All of these things can cause weakness and loss of control to the bowel. There are a few things you can do to help lower bowel incontinence including a change of diet, avoid food and beverages that contain caffeine and chocolate as these foods tend to relax the anal sphincter muscle. Try taking vitamin supplements which help to lower the risk of diarrhea. Consuming smaller meals more often throughout the day can help as well as taking the time for regular bowel movements. Pelvic floor exercises can also be a great help. Seek out your doctor's advice as you may need surgery to correct the problem.

It can be embarrassing, often leading to the withdrawal from every day activities. Adult diapers can help you to carry on with every day activities and help to contain accidents until you get to a toilet. Withdrawing from every day life can lead to depression, loss of confidence and self esteem. With the help of adult diapers, there is no need to withdraw. You can still go out to work and socialize with friends.

Live life to the full. With bowel incontinence aids you can still do all the things you would normally do.


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BM Healthcare http://www.bmhealthcare.com.au has a fantastic range of incontinence products. Whether it is urinary or bowel incontinence, you will always find adult diapers to suit your needs.