Health Tip: If Bowel Control Is a Problem

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(HealthDay News) -- Bowel control problems (also called fecal incontinence) can occur at any age, although they are more common in older adults.

The U.S. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse says common causes of bowel control problems include:

• Having diarrhea.
• Having damage or weakness in sphincter muscles or nerves.
• Having an inability of the rectum to stretch properly.
• Having hemorrhoids.
• Getting older, due to changes in muscles and tissues.
• Sustaining damage to the pelvic floor muscles after giving birth.

-- Diana Kohnle

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