Faecal incontinence - Causes and Symptoms

Definition

Faecal incontinence consists of the involuntary loss of feces and intestinal gas. In fact, those who suffer from it cannot control defecation, in part or totally. It is therefore an unpleasant symptom, which can be associated with many diseases.

Fecal incontinence is commonly found in patients with chronic constipation or acute or chronic diarrhea; similar conditions, in fact, can alter the strength of the muscles of the rectum or damage the nerves that control the rectal tract and the anal sphincters. Also the abuse of laxatives for the treatment of constipation and some inflammatory bowel diseases can procure the same disorder.

Another cause of fecal incontinence is to be found in the loss of elasticity of the muscles of the rectum, due to obstetric injuries or to the outcome of surgical operations involving the incision or dilation of the anal sphincter.

Other risk factors for fecal incontinence include hemorrhoids, infections, rectal procidence (ie complete rectal prolapse), congenital anomalies, accidental injuries of the rectum and anus, extensive inflammatory processes, tumors and fecal impaction.

Sometimes, fecal incontinence is a collateral symptom of neurological disorders, including spinal cord injury or disease or nerve damage involved in defecation control.

Furthermore, faecal incontinence can be a consequence of debilitating diseases, such as diabetes, stroke, multiple sclerosis, severe dementia and other psychiatric disorders.