Good for the elderly
In many elderly, faecal incontinence occurs as a result of improper communication between the brain and the bladder or intestines. Unexpected accidents, toileting difficulties, and incontinence are more common among seniors with dementia than among those who do not have dementia, according to research.
In addition to diarrhea and constipation, there are several other factors that might contribute to fecal incontinence. Affected muscles or nerves may develop as a result of the aging process or during pregnancy. Fecal incontinence, no matter what the reason, may be humiliating to experience. But don’t be afraid to bring up the subject of this widespread concern with your doctor.
It might occur intermittently, such as during bouts of diarrhea, or it can develop into a chronic disorder as a result of muscle or nerve injury over time.
There are a variety of potential reasons of bowel incontinence to consider. Frequently, it is the result of a number of different issues. Constipation or diarrhoea that is severe or long-lasting are two of the most common causes of bowel incontinence. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (such as Crohn’s disease) are both conditions that affect the bowels.
The inability to regulate bowel movements, often known as fecal incontinence, is a medical condition. Small gas leaks that occur when passing gas might progress to a full loss of bowel control. It might occur intermittently, such as during bouts of diarrhea, or it can develop into a chronic disorder as a result of muscle or nerve injury over time.
Alosetron, Imodium®, Lomotil® (diphenoxylate and atropine), and Pepto-Bismol® are examples of anti-diarrheal medications that prevent watery stools. Laxatives such as milk of magnesia are examples of laxatives that treat temporary constipation. Stool softeners, such as Colace and Dulcolax, are used to reduce stool impaction, which can lead to constipation in certain people.
Incontinence can be caused by a variety of factors. Although it is not a typical component of the aging process, as you become older, you may find yourself more susceptible to the ailment. The pelvic region must be functioning properly in order to preserve bowel control over time.
Food poisoning/diarrhea traveler’s are two common causes of diarrhea in the elderly. Clostridium difficile bacteria are a kind of bacterium (usually caused by antibiotics or stomach-suppressing medications) Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Obstruction of the intestines or fecal impaction (hardened stool lodged in the colon; develops in people with severe constipation)
Depending on the individual, some persons have incontinence on a regular basis, and for others it occurs very infrequently. It is estimated that one out of every ten people will be impacted by it at some time in their lives. Despite the fact that it may afflict persons of any age, it is more frequent among elderly people. Women are more likely than males to be affected by this condition.
Having to deal with bowel incontinence is a difficult situation.
People suffering from dementia have memory loss. They may be perplexed and unsure about their current location. This misunderstanding might result in bladder and bowel control difficulties, or it can exacerbate existing problems.