Incontinence products from Keys DryForLife range - Call for discreet advice on incontinence management

Posts Tagged ‘constipation’

Common Causes of Bowel Incontinence

Wednesday, July 28th, 2010

Bowel incontinence, also known as faecal incontinence, can be caused by numerous conditions, such as diarrhea, constipation, nerve damage to the anal sphincter, muscle or nerve damage to the rectum and anus and surgical procedures. Identifying the cause of bowel incontinence is important when determining the correct treatment for the condition.

Diarrhea: It is much easier to “hold” your bowels when stool is solid. When an individual experiences frequent diarrhea, the ability to control bowels may be partially or completely absent. Diarrhea itself can be caused by many conditions, such as chronic laxative use or abuse and gastrointestinal disorders, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Getting to the bottom of what is causing the diarrhea may aid in regaining bowel control.

Constipation: It may seem incongruous that constipation can lead to bowel incontinence, but constipation can actually be a common cause of bowel incontinence. When constipation occurs, stool can become trapped in the rectum, which causes stool behind the impaction to leak around the impaction, resulting in the leakage of liquid stool.

Nerve damage: Nerve damage to the anus or rectum may result in incontinence. Nerves supplying the anus or rectum can interfere with the ability to sense when a bowel movement is imminent, and may also prevent the anus from closing properly as it should between bowel movements. Nerve damage may occur in an individual who has Multiple Sclerosis, stroke, diabetes or spinal cord injury.

Muscle Damage: The muscles surrounding the anus, which prevent stool from exiting the body without conscious control, can become damaged resulting in bowel incontinence. Childbirth is one event that can lead to muscle damage. These muscles may become damaged by giving birth to a large infant, especially if forceps are used or an episiotomy is done.

Surgery: Surgery performed to treat hemorrhoids may result in damage to the anus or rectum, causing bowel incontinence. Surgery to treat anal or rectal cancer may also result in bowel incontinence.
Many of the causes of bowel incontinence can be easily identified and treated, making it imperative that anyone suffering from bowel incontinence seek advice from their physician.

For the full range of Incontinence Products please browse the catalogue at DryForLife.co.uk

More Articles Discussing Bowel Incontinence

Tags: , ,
Posted in Bowel Incontinence | Comments Off

Childrens Incontinence Pants and Patience for Potty Training Success

Saturday, May 1st, 2010

Toilet training your child can be one of the most frustrating things that you have ever had to deal with, and it is one of the most important things that you have ever had to do as well. When it is not done properly, it can have far reaching and damaging ramifications. Some of the problems that can evolve are constipation and impaction, urinary tract infections and dysfunctional voiding. Using childrens incontinence pants during the training process can remove a lot of stress during this time for the parent and the child.

By the age of three most children have mastered the ability to hold their bladders and their bowel movements until they can get to a toilet. Most frequently a child learns to control their bladder well before they learn to control their bowels. If you find yourself getting frustrated because your child just does not seem to be getting the hang of toilet training, seek the advice of your medical professional to keep any unnecessary problems from developing. Your child will sense your frustration even if you are doing your best to mask it.

If your child is truly having problems mastering their toileting skills, the underlying problem can be either physical or, more likely, behavioral. The most common physical cause of toileting problems is a urinary tract infection, but a medical examination can help rule out any physical problems for your child.

If a child is physically healthy, and they continue to resist any attempts at toilet training, they may be challenging you to a power struggle. Frequently this argument begins as the child simply digs in their heels as parents offer excessive reminders to go to the bathroom, and many of these children have been dragged to the bathroom and plunked on the toilet unwillingly. Usually this type of child is a little stubborn and extremely independent.

From a parent’s view having a child who is fiercely independent may not be such a thrill as you are butting heads with them over toilet training, but this independence will probably be an asset to them as young adults making their way in the world. So for now, be patient, stock up on childrens incontinence pants, and realize that eventually your child will realize that toilet training really is in their best interest.

Further Incontinence Pants Articles

Tags: ,
Posted in Incontinence Pants | Comments Off

Managing Continence as You Age

Thursday, January 14th, 2010

In an aging population managing continence is becoming a more frequent topic for discussion. With millions of people affected by urinary incontinence, which is involuntary urinary leakage, managing continence is creeping out into the light of day.

While the problem of urinary incontinence is generally associated with old age, it can affect people at any age. For many reasons, not the least of which is embarrassment, many of the people who do suffer from some sort of urinary incontinence suffer in silence, which means that they are not seeking out any help for their condition either.

Urinary incontinence is not a disease; rather it is a symptom of some physical, underlying problem. Becoming incontinent is not a natural part of getting old, though there are changes related to aging that can contribute to urinary incontinence. For example, as a person ages they may develop certain physical limitations that make it difficult for them to reach the bathroom.

Another behavior that may accompany aging is not drinking enough fluids, which can cause a couple of continence problems. First, it concentrates the urine, which can irritate the bladder causing more frequent urination. Secondly, it can cause constipation, which can also be a contributing factor in urinary incontinence.

Conditions such as bladder infection, stroke or afflictions that affect the nervous system can also lead to urinary incontinence. Many medications have urinary incontinence as a side effect, where they either act as a diuretic flooding the bladder with liquid, or they reduce awareness or the urge to urinate like muscle relaxants.

As an older adult there are some things that you can do to manage continence on your own, and most of the ideas are pretty simple. If you have a physical limitation that makes it difficult to get yourself to the bathroom, get into the habit of going to the bathroom at regular intervals throughout the day. Every two or three hours visit the rest room whether you feel the urge to go or not. By scheduling your trips to the bathroom before they are urgent, you are giving yourself ample time to get there before you are hit by a sudden urge to go.

The next step in managing continence on your own is to keep your system regular and avoid becoming constipated. Make sure that you drink about five glasses of water per day along with the fluids that you would normally drink. You may also want to cut back on your consumption of drinks with caffeine or alcohol and drink water instead.

If you are still having problems talk to your medical care professional so that they can identify any medical problems that may be causing your incontinence symptoms. And as you are working through the solution to your problem, incontinence pads can free you from the worry of having accidental leakage in public. They protect clothing and furniture, and they offer protection from skin irritation. While you cannot ignore aging, managing continence as you age allows you to enjoy a continued active lifestyle.

Further Continence Articles

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in Continence | Comments Off

How is Constipation Related to Bladder Weakness?

Saturday, August 15th, 2009

Bladder weakness is often a symptom of a treatable condition. Constipation is one problem which, when treated, can lead to a resolution of bladder weakness. Constipation can be caused by not drinking enough fluids, not eating enough fibre, not getting enough exercise, stress, certain medications, some neurological conditions, pregnancy, laxative overuse and various other problems or conditions.

You may be wondering exactly how constipation can affect the bladder; in fact, the same nerves that supply the pelvis also supply the rectum, so a problem affecting one may also affect the other. In addition, hardened stool as a result of constipation can apply pressure to the urethra and bladder, causing a sense of urgency.

Improving constipation may lead to an improvement in bladder weakness. This can be accomplished by increasing water intake, eating a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and fibre, and partaking in regular exercise. If these self-help measures are not effective in relieving constipation, you may consider consulting your doctor, who may be able to pinpoint the cause of both constipation and the resulting bladder weakness.

Tags: , ,
Posted in Bladder Weakness Treatments | No Comments »

Disclaimer - The research, clinical material and advice provided on this website is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for medical treatment, nor an alternative to medical advice. Any action taken in response to the information given on this website is at the reader's own discretion. Readers should always consult their own Doctor in all health matters. Please read our Terms and conditions. Copyright ©2003-2009 DryForLife®