Medical Health Encyclopedia

Alcohol and caffeine intake should be eliminated as they may cause diarrhea and resulting incontinence is some people. Additionally, certain people are unable to digest lactose, a sugar found in most dairy products, and thus develop severe diarrhea after intake of such foods. Also, some food additives such as nutmeg and sorbitol have been shown to cause diarrhea in susceptible people.

Adding bulk to the diet may thicken the stool and decrease the amount of stools. Certain foods thicken the stools, including rice, bananas, yogurt, and cheese. An increase in fiber (30 grams daily) from whole-wheat grains and bran adds bulk to the diet. Additionally, psyllium-containing products such as Metamucil can be used to add bulk to the stools.

Enteral feedings (formula tube feedings) often cause diarrhea and bowel incontinence. For diarrhea and/or bowel incontinence that is occurring because of enteral tube feedings, consult your health care provider or dietitian. The rate of the feedings may need to be changed or bulk agents may need to be added to the formula.

Text Continues Below

---

FECAL IMPACTION

Constipation or fecal impaction may also contribute to fecal incontinence. Loss of rectal tone may result in leakage of watery, liquid stool around the fecal impaction. Usually once a fecal impaction has developed, laxatives and enemas are of little help. In this case a health care provider will insert one or two fingers into the rectum and break the mass into fragments so that it can be expelled.

Measures should be taken to prevent further development of fecal impaction. Fiber should be added to the diet to promote normal stool consistency. Also an adequate intake of fluids and exercise may enhance normal stool consistency.

OTHER THERAPY

When a person is frequently incontinent of stool, special external fecal collection devices may be used to contain the stool and protect the skin from breakdown. These devices consist of a drainable pouch attached to an adhesive wafer. This wafer has a hole cut through the center which fits over the anal opening.