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Garry Norris
5 years ago
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1 BREAK FREE from Bowel Control Problems

2 POP Quiz THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE IN THE UNITED STATES WITH BOWEL CONTROL PROBLEMS: A. 6 million B. 12 million C. 18 million

3 BOWEL CONTROL PROBLEMS Nearly 18 million U. S. adults, about 1 in 12, experience accidental bowel leakage

4 Don t Be Embarrassed Bowel control problems also called: Fecal incontinence Anal incontinence Accidental bowel leakage Can be embarrassing and upsetting: Don t be ashamed to discuss with your doctor It is often due to a medical problem There are treatment options

5 How the Bowel Works Muscles and nerves in the rectum and anus: Hold stool Let you know when the rectum is full Signal when to release stool Pelvic floor and sphincter muscles help control the bowel and gas

6 Symptoms of Control Problems Accidental loss of gas and/or bowel contents Can occur with gas, liquid stool, or solid stool Diarrhea: Loose, watery stools Passing loose stools 3 or more times per day More than 2 days may signal a problem

7 Symptoms of Control Problems Chronic constipation (4+ million people in U.S.) Bowel movement fewer than 3 times per week: Stool is hard, dry, small, and difficult to get out Straining and bloating Pain with bowel movement

8 Treatments Diet Changes Include more fiber in your diet: Makes stools firmer Helps promote more complete passage of bowel movements Eat more whole grains, fruits, vegetables, or high fiber cereals Ask your doctor about fiber supplements Talk with your health care provider about dietary changes which may help control bowel problems FECAL INCONTINENCE Avoid spicy foods and caffeine Weight loss may help, if obese CONSTIPATION Avoid starchy foods such as white rice, pasta, or white bread Weight loss may help, if obese

9 Treatments PT, Medicines Physical therapy (PT): Improves the pelvic muscle strength, tone, endurance, and coordination May include biofeedback Ask your doctor for a referral to a specialized physical therapist Medicines: Soften stool (laxative, fiber supplement) Help form stool (antidiarrheal medicines)

10 Treatments Surgery Goal is to improve bowel function: Control Emptying Emptying at appropriate times Types of surgery include: Bulking agents Pace maker for the pelvic floor or bowels (neuromodulator) Sphincter repair Anal sling

11 REFERENCES National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Constipation. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Fecal Incontinence. Satish SCR. Practice Guidelines: Diagnosis and Management of Fecal Incontinence. American Journal of Gastroenterology, Wasserberg N, Haney M, Crookes P, Rosca J, Ritter M, Kaufman HS. Fecal incontinence among morbid obese women seeking for weight loss surgery: an underappreciated association with adverse impact on quality of life. Int J Colorectal Dis May;23(5): Whitehead WE, Borrud L, Goode PS, et al. Fecal incontinence in U.S. adults: epidemiology and risk factors. Gastroenterology. 2009;137(2):

Treatments for Fecal Incontinence A Review of the Research for Adults

Treatments for Fecal Incontinence A Review of the Research for Adults e Is This Information Right for Me? This information is right for you if: Your health care professional* said you or your loved one