Fecal Incontinence Treatment
When Dr. Yamini suspects that a patient is suffering from fecal incontinence he will carry out a physical exam of the anus, which may include probing to determine if there is nerve damage. Due to the sensitivity of this type of diagnosis, you may experience puckering of the sphincter, which is a normal reaction. There are a number of other medical tests that may be carried out when a physical exam is not enough to confirm fecal incontinence.
For some patients, medications such as anti-diarrheal drugs and bulk laxatives will help with managing this gastroenterology condition. Dietary changes are also recommended to change the consistency of the stools. Foods that are high in fiber usually have the result of making stools bulkier and less watery, reducing the likelihood of fecal incontinence occurring. However, exercise and other therapies can provide longer-lasting relief from fecal incontinence for certain patients. The treatments that you receive will depend on the results of examination and testing.
What Causes Fecal Incontinence?
Fecal incontinence is more complex in nature than many patients realize. There are numerous potential causes, each of which requires a different approach to treatment, depending on severity. Muscle damage to the rings at the anal sphincter can make holding in fecal matter difficult. Nerve damage also impacts how the muscles work around the rectum. Patients who suffer from constipation are more likely to experience the muscles around the rectum becoming stretched.
Diarrhea, hemorrhoids, loss of storage in the rectum and surgery are also potential causes of fecal incontinence. Any other condition that has the impact of affecting the consistency of stools or damaging muscles in or around the anus can also result in some level of fecal incontinence.
If you are suffering from fecal incontinence you can find relief from Dr. David Yamini at his California offices. Contact us today to arrange a consultation.
