Causes, Signs and Symptoms for Faecal Incontinence

Causes of Faecal Incontinence

The ability to hold stool requires the normal function of rectum, anus, nervous system and mental capabilities to recognize and appropriately respond to the urge to defecate . If there is problem with any of these factors, faecal incontinence can occur. The conditions and disorders that can cause faecal incontinence include :

Muscular weakness due to nerve or muscle disease, surgery, injury. 
Congenital rectal and anal abnormalities that can persist in spite of surgical intervention. 
There are a number of conditions in which surgical treatment can occasionally result in faecal incontinence, for example haemorrhoidectomy ( operation for piles), the treatment for anal fistula, treatment of fissure by manual dilatation. 

Injury to the anus and rectum due to accident. 

Persistent or intermittent severe diarrhoea due to any cause can lead to faecal incontinence. 
Constipation and impaction. Contributory factors here are poor diet and poor fluid intake. 
Disorders of the lower bowel, e.g. cancer, and fistula and haemorrhoids. 
Disorders of the nervous system, that can include multiple sclerosis, stroke, spinal cord injury, diseases affecting the brain such as cancer, structural abnormalities, and dementia. All these disorders can affect the nerve impulses to and from the bowel. 
Faecal incontinence is often an aspect of Alzheimer's Disease, in which both dementia and nerve damage play a role. 

With increasing age muscles and ligaments that support the pelvis as well as the anal sphincter muscles can become weak leading to incontinence. 
Regular use of laxatives also can lead to incontinence. 

Signs and Symptoms of Faecal Incontinence

In faecal incontinence, the patient cannot control the passage of gas or stools, which may be liquid or solid. For some people faecal incontinence is limited to occasional soiling of their underwear while for others it can be complete lack of bowel control. In addition, there can be emotional problems like frustration, anger and depression as well as perianal skin problems due to repeated contact of the skin with stool leading to itching and ulcers. 

Faecal Incontinence
Causes, Signs and Symptoms for Faecal Incontinence
Diagnosis of Faecal Incontinence
Surgical Options for Faecal Incontinence