What causes fecal incontinence?

Fecal incontinence, as the name suggests, means that we cannot control our bowel movements at will. From a medical perspective, this is considered a symptom of bowel dysfunction. Nowadays, many elderly people are most likely to suffer from this disease, which has a great impact on their lives and families. To alleviate this situation, we need to treat the disease at its root. So, what causes fecal incontinence? Let’s read on together.

The causes of fecal incontinence are generally as follows:

1. Fecal incontinence caused by congenital diseases.

Infants with high anal lock and underdeveloped anus suffer from anal incontinence due to congenital anal sphincter insufficiency.

2. Fecal incontinence caused by muscle dysfunction and damage.

The contraction and defecation function of the anus is maintained by the nerves that control the internal and external sphincters and the levator ani muscles. If these muscles relax, have reduced tension, or are cut, removed, or have large scars, they can cause anal incontinence. Anal incontinence may also occur if muscles relax and tension decreases due to rectal prolapse, hemorrhoids, or prolapse of polyps. The elderly or those suffering from certain diseases can also cause muscular atrophy anal incontinence. Anal incontinence can also be caused by surgical cutting or removal of the sphincter due to anorectal abscess, anal fistula, rectal cancer, etc. Burns, scalds, and chemical corrosion can also cause anal incontinence with large scars. Chronic diarrhea and anorectal cancer can also cause anal incontinence.

3. Fecal incontinence caused by neurological disorders and injuries.

Defecation is a reflex activity under the control of the visceral autonomic nerves and the central nervous system of the brain. Dysfunction or damage to these nerves can cause fecal incontinence. Temporary fecal incontinence may occur after a stroke, shock, or fright. If the thoracic, lumbar, or sacral vertebrae are compressed and the spinal cord or spinal nerves are damaged, paraplegia may occur, leading to fecal incontinence. In addition, fecal incontinence may be caused by resection of the mucosa near the anus, loss of sensory nerves in the rectal wall, and intellectual disability.

The above content introduces the causes of fecal incontinence in detail. We hope that everyone can analyze the disease at the root and then take correct measures to treat it. Of course, in addition to professional treatment, we also need to do daily care. The first is to develop good bowel habits and defecate regularly. Secondly, pay attention to anal hygiene. Also, you should drink more boiled water every day and maintain a bowel movement a day. If you find any discomfort around your anus, you should go to the hospital for medical treatment as soon as possible.