Fecal incontinence

Fecal incontinence is a lack of control over defecation that leads to involuntary loss of bowel contents, from gas and mucus to liquid or solid stool. It is a sign or symptom rather than a diagnosis and can occur alongside constipation or diarrhea. Continence depends on several interrelated mechanisms, and incontinence usually reflects a deficiency in more than one. Commonly cited causes include damage from childbirth, complications of earlier anorectal surgery, and altered bowel habits from conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn disease or ulcerative colitis. Prevalence estimates range from about 2.2 percent of community-dwelling adults to close to 50 percent of institutionalized elders. Consequences include skin breakdown, urinary tract infection, financial cost and reduced quality of life with shame and depression. It is generally treatable through an individualized mix of dietary, drug and surgical measures.