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                Your Digestive System & How it Works
                Zollinger-Ellison SyndromeBowel Control Problems (Fecal Incontinence)

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    Definition & Facts
    Fecal incontinence, also called accidental bowel leakage, is the accidental passing of solid or liquid stools from your anus. You may have a strong urge to have a bowel movement and not be able to control it. You may have bowel leakage and not know it.
Doctor listens to her patient

    Symptoms & Causes
    The symptoms of fecal incontinence include a strong urge for a bowel movement and not being able to control it, and passing solid or liquid stool without knowing it. Fecal incontinence has many causes, including digestive tract disorders and chronic diseases.


Diagnosis
    Doctors use your medical history, a physical exam, and tests to diagnose fecal incontinence and its causes. Your doctor will ask specific questions about your symptoms. Play an active role in your diagnosis by talking openly and honestly with your doctor.

    Treatment
    How doctors treat fecal incontinence depends on the cause. Your doctor can also recommend ways to manage and treat fecal incontinence yourself. Play an active role in your treatment by talking openly and honestly with your doctor.


Eating, Diet, & Nutrition
    Changing what you eat can help prevent or relieve your fecal incontinence. Keeping a food diary can help you and your doctor find out which foods and drinks make your symptoms better or worse.

    Clinical Trials
    The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) and other components of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) conduct and support research into many diseases and conditions.

    Related Conditions & Diseases
    Bladder Control Problems in Men (Urinary Incontinence)
    Bladder Control Problems in Women (Urinary Incontinence)
    Constipation
    Diarrhea
    Hemorrhoids


Related Diagnostic Tests
    Colonoscopy
    Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
    Lower GI Series


Resources for Health Care Professionals
    Comparative Effectiveness Review: Treatments for Fecal Incontinence
    Treatments for Fecal Incontinence: Current State of the Evidence
    ASCRS Clinical Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Fecal Incontinence
    Diagnosis and Management of Fecal Incontinence (PDF, 167 KB)


Resources for Caregivers
    National Association For Continence
        Last Reviewed July 2017

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                This content is provided as a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
(NIDDK), part of the National Institutes of Health. NIDDK translates and disseminates research findings to increase knowledge and understanding about health and disease among patients, health professionals, and the public. Content produced by NIDDK is carefully reviewed by NIDDK scientists and other experts.
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