Alvi incontinence: symptoms, causes, treatment, etc. & bull; hello healthy

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Definition

What is alvi incontinence?

Alvi incontinence is a condition in which the sufferer is unable to control the urge to have a bowel movement. Normally, the urge to defecate can be held for some time. However. this condition makes you unable to hold the urge to defecate and the dirt accidentally just comes out.

When we eat, we produce a solid combination of undigested food, bacteria and dead cells. This combination is called feces. The stool then travels through the intestines to the rectum and out in the anus. This whole process is known as defecation. Incontinence occurs when something goes wrong in the bowel control process.

One of the most common types of alvi incontinence is urge incontinence . When you experience this condition, you feel a strong urge to have a bowel movement, and you are unable to hold it until you reach the toilet. This condition may be caused by damage to the pelvic muscles.

Other types of this condition are passive incontinence . If you experience it, stool or fluid will come out of the anus without you knowing it.

How common is alvi incontinence?

Alvi incontinence is one of the most common digestive problems. About 1 in 3 people who go to a health care center have experienced this condition.

In addition, this condition is mostly found in elderly patients. It is estimated that as many as 7-15 out of 100 adult patients who are not hospitalized suffer from this condition. Meanwhile, as many as 18-33 of 100 adult patients who undergo treatment in the hospital experience incontinence.

This condition is also common in children. Based on a study contained in Best Practice & Research Clinical Gastroenterology , it is reported that there are about 1-4% of school age children. Meanwhile, the incidence rate in children aged 4 years is 2.8%.

This figure shows a difference in children aged 7-8 years, where there were 2.3% cases in boys and 1.3% in girls. This shows that this condition is more common in boys than girls.

Fortunately, this disease can be overcome and controlled by recognizing the existing risk factors. For more information regarding this disease, you can consult your doctor.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of alvi incontinence?

The most recognizable symptom of alvi incontinence is loss of bowel control and an inability to hold the urge to defecate. In addition, because this condition can coexist with other illnesses, when you experience diarrhea or constipation, be aware of the threat of this condition.

You should see a doctor if these problems start to interfere with your daily life. Don't trust your intuition too much. Problems affecting your anal muscles have the potential to cause other problems to your overall health.

When should I see a doctor?

If you experience any of the signs or symptoms listed above, or have any questions, please consult your doctor.

Each sufferer's body shows signs and symptoms that vary. To get the most appropriate treatment and according to your condition, always consult a doctor or the nearest medical service center.

Cause

What causes alvi incontinence?

The most common cause of alvi incontinence is damage to the anal sphincter. The anal sphincters are the muscles around the anus that are responsible for holding or stretching under your control.

If the nerves in these muscles are damaged, then you lose the ability to control bowel movements. This can result in accidental leakage of stool, or in the worst case, you can potentially lose control of your bowel completely.

There are other factors that can contribute to the cause of this condition. Diarrhea or constipation could be one of them because they are two common health conditions related to defecation.

Inflammatory bowel disease is sometimes also a trigger because of its effect on the digestive tract. Nerve damage like the ones mentioned above can cause muscles to stretch on their own. Alzheimer's disease can also interfere with the ability to defecate.

Risk factors

What increases the risk of alvi incontinence?

Alvi incontinence is a condition that can happen to anyone, regardless of age group or racial group. Most people can experience incontinence at some point in their life, especially those accompanied by the aforementioned conditions such as diarrhea or constipation.

However, there are several factors that can increase a person's risk for developing this condition. However, you need to know that having one or more risk factors does not mean you will definitely experience this condition.

The following are risk factors for this condition:

1. Age

This disease is mostly found in elderly people aged 65 years and over. People who have entered this age group have a high risk of developing incontinence.

2. Have given birth

If you are a woman who has had more than 2 times the normal birth method, your chances of developing this condition are much greater.

3. Rarely do physical activities

If you spend more time sitting in the office, bed rest , rarely exercise, or other physical activities, you have a high chance of experiencing this condition.

4. Having certain diseases

Several chronic diseases and problems with the nervous system can interfere with the performance of the pelvic muscles and sphincter muscles in controlling bowel movements.

Diagnosis & treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor for more information.

How is alvi incontinence diagnosed?

The doctor can perform a physical examination to determine the cause of the problem. A direct examination of the anus is performed to find out how the anal sphincter contracts.

There are also other tests such as laboratory tests on stool, as well as endoscopic tests, where a tube is inserted into the anus to check for potential problems related to the digestive tract.

A nerve test can show results if there is nerve damage. Sometimes, an ultrasound test can be done to see if there are problems with the anus and rectal walls.

What are the treatments for alvi incontinence?

Treatment for this condition will range from non-surgical to surgical, depending on your condition.

• Non-surgical treatment includes taking medication, changing your diet, drinking lots of water, and setting a bowel routine to train your intestines.
• Minimally invasive surgery or procedures are needed if incontinence cannot be treated with medication from a doctor.

Home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can help treat alvi incontinence?

The following lifestyle and home remedies can help you deal with alvi incontinence:

1. Adjust the diet

Adjust your daily diet because this condition is generally related to what enters your body. Here are some foods that have the potential to trigger incontinence:

• Alcohol
• Caffeine
• Dairy products
• Greasy, deep fried and fatty foods
• Spicy food
• Smoked meat or fermented products
• Sweeteners such as fructose, mannitol, sorbitol, and xylitol

2. Adding fiber

Fiber is very good and beneficial for your digestion. Make sure you meet your daily fiber needs of 30 grams.

You can eat foods made from whole grains, such as whole wheat bread. You can also check the fiber content in products such as bread, cereals and other foods.

3. Gymnastics to train the pelvis and anal muscles

This method is very useful for controlling your bowel movements. You can ask your doctor or therapist for advice on appropriate and effective exercise movements.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor to understand the best solution for you.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.