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What Causes Soft Bowel Movements And Fecal Incontinence?
Question: For approx 6 -9 months I have experienced very soft bowel movements and sometimes fecal incontinence.
I have also experienced very foul gas odor during this time. My diet has not changed, nor any medicationns changed
. What could this be ?
I have also experienced very foul gas odor during this time. My diet has not changed, nor any medicationns changed
. What could this be ?
Brief Answer:
Supportive care , needs work up and management.
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for asking
I read your question and i understand your concern. Soft bowel movements for 9 months and normal colonoscopy reports , foul gas odor, belching and gaseous distensions all favour a functional bowel decline provided all your work up is normal and there is no pain or blood in stools or nocturnal symptoms, it fits diarrhea predominant irritable bowel syndrome, a benign common age related functional bowel decline which just needs supportive care. Use of more fiber in diet will help add to the bulk formation of stools and make it a bit harder.
However this incontinence needs to be evaluated for the cause. I would advise some work up like x ray defecography, ballon expulsion test, proctosigmoidoscopy, anal manometry and sphincter tones assessment to find out possible cause behind this incontinence. Some times soft stools seep through anus while person trying to pass flatus may be mistaken for incontinence. In such cases treating diarrhea and soft stools treat incontinence.
Modify diet and lifestyle, eat small frequent meals, avoid dairy products, sipcy foods, fatty foods, processed canned foods, avoid alcohol, beer , beverages, soda, tea, coffee, chocolates , smoking etc. Use fiber , fluids, fresh fruits and vegetables and walk briskly for at least 30 to 40 minutes in a day . Consult your local physician for further guidance and management,
I hope it helps. take good care of yourself and dont forget to close the discussion please.
Regards
Khan
Supportive care , needs work up and management.
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for asking
I read your question and i understand your concern. Soft bowel movements for 9 months and normal colonoscopy reports , foul gas odor, belching and gaseous distensions all favour a functional bowel decline provided all your work up is normal and there is no pain or blood in stools or nocturnal symptoms, it fits diarrhea predominant irritable bowel syndrome, a benign common age related functional bowel decline which just needs supportive care. Use of more fiber in diet will help add to the bulk formation of stools and make it a bit harder.
However this incontinence needs to be evaluated for the cause. I would advise some work up like x ray defecography, ballon expulsion test, proctosigmoidoscopy, anal manometry and sphincter tones assessment to find out possible cause behind this incontinence. Some times soft stools seep through anus while person trying to pass flatus may be mistaken for incontinence. In such cases treating diarrhea and soft stools treat incontinence.
Modify diet and lifestyle, eat small frequent meals, avoid dairy products, sipcy foods, fatty foods, processed canned foods, avoid alcohol, beer , beverages, soda, tea, coffee, chocolates , smoking etc. Use fiber , fluids, fresh fruits and vegetables and walk briskly for at least 30 to 40 minutes in a day . Consult your local physician for further guidance and management,
I hope it helps. take good care of yourself and dont forget to close the discussion please.
Regards
Khan
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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