Stool incontinence

Stool incontinence results from disorders of the rectum and the functioning of the anal sphincter.

Normal content retention occurs through the musculature. Among the muscles, a special role is played by the external sphincter, which ensures closure, as well as the inner, tonic closing. A specific task is performed by the musculature, which carries out the raising of the anus. These muscles strengthen the work of anal sphincters. Their function is regulated by the innervation centers, which are located in the spinal and brain and distal parts of the thick intestine. If any one of them suffers an incontinence of feces (encopresis).

The main causes of malfunctions of the mucous membrane and muscular tissue of the intestine are traumas, defects in the development of the anorectal zone of an innate character. Enough unfavorably affect the condition and various inflammations. These processes can reduce sensitivity in the receptor zone and enhance the motility of the colon. The most popular inflammations include cholera, dysentery, certain types of colitis. In addition, adult stool incontinence can occur as a result of the development of tumors in the pelvic region, with violation of innervation (peripheral or central).

To a separate variety of encopresis is the so-called "bear disease". This condition is a consequence of a violent vegetative reaction to the impact of the strongest psychoemotional stimulus. It can have an innate nature and bind to the development of certain ailments (epilepsy, cerebral palsy, etc.). Such incontinence often occurs in children due to psychoemotional shocks. These include the accumulation during a certain period of experience and negative emotions (for example, as a result of being in unfavorable conditions for the psyche), spontaneous stress (severe fright).

Fecal incontinence in a child can be episodic or permanent. In the first case, encopresis is manifested only in the case of predisposing factors.

The first sign of incontinence is night involuntary emptying. Subsequently, encopresis begins to appear in the daytime.

The most common reasons for the development of the condition include:

• Separation from parents;
• Too persistent attempts of parents to teach the baby to the pot;
• Change of the environment in connection with a visit to a kindergarten or school, a move;
• Family conflicts;
• Loss of a loved one;
• Another toilet (at a party, kindergarten or school).

As practice shows, often incontinence occurs in children whose parents use excessive amounts of alcohol.

In addition to the psychological nature of the development of encopresis in a child, the disease can also arise as a result of the organic lesions named above. A great influence on the condition is also the systematic suppression of the urge to defecate (a situation where the baby should be restrained). There is also the impact of birth injuries. However, the most common cause of involuntary spontaneous bowel movement is prolonged constipation.

Most forms of organic and functional insufficiency of anal sphincter provoking fecal incontinence, with a properly selected set of therapeutic measures, are completely eliminated or the condition significantly improves.

The prognosis for spontaneous bowel movement in patients suffering from mental disorders, oligophrenia, acquired dementia is considered unfavorable .