DEAR DR. GOTT:
Instead of my bladder leaking when I sneeze, it’s my bowels. This has happened for the past 27 years and occurs when I sneeze or cough. Sometimes the problem is worse than others, but it is always very bad. I’ve been to many doctors, have had many tests, and no one has helped me.
DEAR READER:
Fecal incontinence can result from a variety of causes. The more common reasons are damage to the anal sphincter, nerve damage, pelvic floor dysfunction, diarrhea and constipation. It can be caused by childbirth, stroke, injury, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, radiation, inflammatory bowel disease, and other conditions.
Food affects the consistency of stool and controls how quickly it passes through the digestive system. Therefore, if your evacuations are watery, you might try eating foods high in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables and grains. Stool that is well formed may be high in fiber, contributing to your incontinence. Diarrhea is often caused by alcohol consumption, dairy products, fruits, fatty foods, and sweeteners.
Begin by making a list of the foods you eat and when the incontinence occurs. This may take several weeks to accomplish. A review of your records will tell you what to avoid and what you can eat without side effects. Do not eat and drink at the same time. Space the two functions by a half-hour or so. By diligently avoiding trouble foods and sticking with those you can consume without consequence, you may be able to conquer the problem.
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