What can be done about fecal incontinence?
Fecal incontinence is an embarrassing problem, but there are steps you can take to improve bowel control. Kevin Soden, MD, outlines a series of lifestyle changes you can make to prevent unwanted gas and leaks.
Transcript
It's difficult to stop stool or gas, and you may have trouble making it to the loo in time. [MUSIC PLAYING]
Hi, I'm Dr. Soden. Here's a tip if you're one of the 10% of older adults who have a health problem people don't like to talk about--
fecal incontinence. Few people want to admit they have this problem. And even fewer ever mention it to their doctor.
Just as with more common urinary incontinence, the issue is a lack of control. In this case, bowel control.
It's difficult to stop stool or gas, and you may have trouble making it to the loo in time.
So what causes this problem? The usual suspects are obesity and poor muscle tone.
Other causes include chronic constipation, gastroparesis, hemorrhoids, and lack of physical activity.
In many cases, lifestyle changes can help. Try these tips. Add fiber to your diet.
Eat 100% whole grains and lots of vegetables. Get some exercise. Kegel exercises help strengthen muscles to help
prevent fecal incontinence. Simply contract and hold your pelvic and buttock muscles for five seconds, then relax.
Repeat this 30 times, 3 times a day. If that doesn't help, check with your doctor. There are medications that can help with bowel control.
And don't be shy. We've heard it all. [MUSIC PLAYING] [AUDIO LOGO]
digestive health
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