Bowel Incontinence
Bowel incontinence is the loss of bowel control which further leads to an involuntary passage of stool. This can range from occasionally leaking a small amount of stool and passing gas, to totally losing control of bowel movements. As per a recent survey, this condition is observed more often in women than in men and that too among people over the age of 65. The anus, rectum, pelvic muscles and nervous system must function normally to hold stool and maintain continence. One must also have the physical and mental ability to identify and respond to the urge to have a bowel movement.
Causes
• Chronic laxative use
• Chronic constipation, leading the muscles of the anus and intestines to stretch and weaken and leading to diarrhea and stool leakage
• Decreased awareness of sensation or rectal fullness
• Colectomy or bowel surgery, emotional problems
• Gynecological, prostate or rectal surgery
• Injury to the anal muscles due to childbirth (in women)
• Nerve or muscle damage (from tumor, trauma or radiation)
• Severe diarrhea that overwhelms the ability to control passage of stool
• Severe hemorrhoids or rectal prolapse
• Stress of unfamiliar environment
Diagnosis
For many, discussing bowel incontinence might be embarrassing, but it can help the doctor in making the diagnosis. At the time of physical examination, a doctor might check the strength of the anal sphincter muscle using a gloved finger inserted into the rectum. Some other tests might be helpful in identifying the cause of this condition, such as:
Testing of Stool
If diarrhea is present, stool testing might identify an infection or other cause.
Endoscopy
A tube with a camera on its tip is inserted into the anus. This identifies any possible problems in the anal canal or colon. In this procedure, the doctor might use a short, rigid tube or a longer, flexible tube (colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy).
Nerve Tests
These tests measure the receptiveness of the nerves that control the sphincter muscles. They can detect the nerve damage that can lead to bowel incontinence.
Anorectal manometry
Here, the doctor inserts a pressure monitor into the anus and rectum. This lets measurement of the strength of the sphincter muscles.
Endosonography
In this procedure, the doctor inserts an ultrasound probe into the anus. This produces images that can help recognize problems in the anal and rectal wall.
Homeopathy for Bowel Incontinence
Homeopathy is an ancient branch of medical science that focuses on treating the individual itself rather than just the ailment or the condition. Bowel incontinence is a condition that can be effectively treated by homeopathy, provided it's administered properly by a homeopath.