FECAL INCONTINENCE
DESCRIPTION |
|
|
Fecal incontinence, also called bowel
incontinence, can occur at any age, but is most common among people
over the age of 65, who sometimes have to cope with urinary
incontinence as well. A British Medical Journal article reported in
1998 that about 2% of adults experience fecal incontinence at least
once a week whereas for healthy independent adults over the age of
65 the figure is about 7%. An extensive American survey, published
in 1993, found fecal soiling in 7.1% of the surveyed population,
with gross incontinence in 0.7%. For men and women the incidence of
soiling was the same, but women were almost twice as likely to
suffer from gross incontinence.
The wider public health impact of fecal incontinence is
considerable. In the United States, more than $400 million is spent
each year on disposable underwear and other incontinence aids. Fecal
incontinence is the second most common reason for seeking a nursing
home placement. One-third of the institutionalized elderly suffer
from this condition. Incontinence sufferers, however, often hesitate
to ask their doctors for help because they are embarrassed or
ashamed. The 1993 American survey discovered that only one-sixth of
those experiencing soiling had sought medical advice, and only
one-half of those afflicted with gross incontinence. |
|
|
| FECAL INCONTINENCE RELATED ITEMS |
|
|
|
|
