Incontinence: Help with faecal incontinence

Submitted by Emma Hamilton on Thu, 11/09/2008 - 8:04pm

Faecal incontinence or poor bowel control is the inability to control bowel movements.

Faecal incontinence causes faeces to leak from the rectum unexpectedly. People with poor bowel control can frequently pass wind, soil their underpants or have a complete loss of control of a bowel movement.

Whilst incontinence is more common in ageing people, it can occur in younger age groups.

People with faecal incontinence usually have a number of bowel problems. Some of these will cause minor mishaps, others can be devastating.

Symptoms of faecal incontinence

Coping with incontinence issues can be difficult, but most people find that with the right advice and treatment incontinence can be managed. Faecal incontinence should always be investigated by a doctor.

Symptoms of faecal incontinence include:

Leakage from the bowel on passing wind, accompanying the urge to open the bowel
Unable to control passing wind
Straining to empty the bowels
Urgency when feeling the need to open the bowels

Causes of faecal incontinence

Faecal incontinence can be related to many factors and conditions including:

Chronic conditions like Parkinson's disease, dementia and stroke
Diarrhoea
Constipation
Medications (overuse of laxatives)
Nerve or muscle damage from trauma or surgery
Decreased mobility
Infection and food poisoning

(Continence Foundation of Australia, 2008)

How to manage faecal incontinence at home

Faecal incontinence is a distressing problem and can have a major impact on people's lives. Attending to a loved one's personal hygiene can be embarrassing and awkward for the person with incontinence and their carer.

Always seek professional help for any bowel problems. Incontinence can be managed and life can be considerably improved with incontinence aids and products.

Some people may attempt to hide their bowel problems. Carers may find they are doing more washing, finding stained underwear or noticing strong odours in the home.

The social stigma attached to incontinence means many people are too embarrassed or ashamed to get help. Many people with faecal incontinence can isolate themselves in the home or avoid social gatherings fearing an incontinence episode. Try and be supportive. Encourage a person to see their doctor or ring the National Continence Helpline to speak confidentially to a continence nurse advisor.

Management of faecal incontinence may include:

Physical therapy and rehabilitation of abdominal and pelvic floor exercises
Dietary changes
Medications
Surgery
Use of incontinence aids and appliances

Caring for someone with faecal incontinence

If you are caring for someone with faecal incontinence there are many simple things you can do to make life easier.

If you notice someone is incontinent at certain times take a person to the toilet to avoid an incontinence episode
Try incontinence pads (special pads for faecal incontinence have odour control)
Place plastic sheeting on beds and chairs (Kylies and Macintosh)
Carry spare underpants and clothes when you go out, wipes, body spray and extra pad
Wear clothing that can be removed quickly
Put a commode next to the bed at night
Encourage someone to go to the toilet before you go out
Know where the public toilets are at the shops

How can I control odour?

Promptly change pads
Use a special neutralising deodorant that helps hide any odours
Use aromatherapy oils, dab a few drops on clothes or in a vaporiser

Helpful resources

The Continence Foundation of Australia can give you valuable information and support to help you manage faecal incontinence.
Call The National Continence Helpline to talk to a continence nurse advisor 1800 33 00 66.
Ask for help at your local community health centre.
The National Public Toilet Map is a great resource for carers and people with incontinence. If you are going to the shops or on a holiday knowing the whereabouts of public toilets can help ease a lot of anxiety or call The Continence Foundation of Australia on 1800 33 00 66 to print out a map for you.