Bowel incontinence is the condition in which a person will not be able to control bowel movements that may cause leakage of bowel (stool) suddenly. Fecal incontinence may vary from mild level to intense loss of control. Some of the factors that trigger this condition are diarrhea, nerve damage (old age) and usage of laxatives. If taken proper treatment, it can be controlled fully so that one need not get embarrassed in public causing leakage of fecal particles.
Very often, people who have crossed 60 years will have this problem and is more particular in women. This again is due to repeated child-birth and undergoing surgery like C section. The pelvic muscles and the nerves surrounding the pelvis are responsible for controlling the bowel movements. Sometimes stress and heightened emotion can cause bowel incontinence even in adults.
Symptoms :
Obviously, one cannot control the fecal particles till he reaches the restroom. For many adults, this problem occurs only when they have diarrhea or constipation. Sometimes, children would also soil their underwear unable to control the bowel if they are not able to make their way to toilet. Fecal incontinence can occur along with diarrhea and gastric problem in many healthy individuals.
Bowel Incontinence Causes :
Several factors may trigger bowel incontinence. Chronic use of laxatives is one of the major causes for this problem. Constipation and diarrhea can trigger the nerves to lose control. The muscles of the anus becomes weak unable to control fecal particles for long time.
People who have undergone surgery recently on rectum can have this disorder. Women may not be able to control feces when they become aged and this is more specific for women who have injury on their anal muscles during childbirth.