Bowel Incontinence
Definition and Characteristics
Bowel incontinence (mostly known as fecal incontinence Opens in new window) is change in normal bowel elimination habits characterized by involuntary passage of stool.
Defining characteristics of the condition include:
- constant dribbling of soft stool;
- fecal odor;
- inability to delay defecation;
- fecal staining of bedding;
- fecal staining of clothing;
- inability to delay defecation;
- inability to recognize urge to defecate;
- inattention to urge to defecate;
- recognizes rectal fullness but reports inability to expel formed stool;
- red perianal skin;
- self-report of inability to recognize rectal fullness;
- urgency.
Related factors include abnormally high abdominal pressure; abnormally high intestinal pressure; chronic diarrhea; colorectal lesions; dietary habits; environmental factors (e.g., inaccessible bathroom); general decline in muscle tone; immobility; impaired cognition; impaired reservoir capacity; incomplete emptying of bowel; laxative abuse; loss of rectal sphincter control; lower motor never damage; medications; rectal sphincter abnormality; impaction; stress; toileting self-care deficit; upper motor nerve damage.
