Diet, medication and nursing aids
Treatment Interventions for fecal incontinence Click here
Treatments for fecal incontinence
Diet and fecal incontinence
Diet should be rich in fibre but not to the point where it causes diarrhea. A balanced diet is important to maintain health and efficient bowel movement. As the body ages we can become more sensitive to certain food stuffs. Good observation skills and monitoring foods effects on individuals can help avoid problems.
Fluid intake and fecal incontinence
The amounts of fluid we require depends on a number of factors, environmental heat, body temperature, state of health, amount of energy being used, to name a few them. Fluid intake should be about 1.5 liters each day (unless against a doctors advice) and is important to maintain a healthy bowel and digestive system.
Regular Exercise and fecal incontinence
Where possible a programme of regular exercise will help establish regular bowel habits.
Mental states and fecal incontinence
Anxiety, either generalized or due to the fecal incontinence, challenging behavior, depression, aggression can be helped by medication. You will need to consult your doctor to decide on the best and least sedating for your loved one. Some medication can cause constipation or diarrhea so it is important observe and report any drug side effects.
Medication to help fecal incontinence
Aperients, suppositories or enemas may sometimes be necessary to maintain regular bowel habits, avoid constipation or overflow diarrhea. Consult a doctor or nurse specialist for advice on how appropriate these forms of treatment might be for your loved one or patient.
Nursing aids for fecal incontinence
There are a number of products that make coping with fecal incontinence a little easier. They are disposable products such as adult diapers and incontinence sheets and pads to protect beds and furniture. If someone has regular fecal incontinence remember to wash their skin with a mild soap regularly and protect the skin with a barrier cream available from the drug store.
Drug side effects
Diarrhea can be the result of medication side effects. Do not stop taking the prescribed drug unless your doctor tells you it is OK. He may need to prescribe another type of medication.
Article updated 01/02/2006
