Suggest Treatment For Bowel Incontinence

Posted on Thu, 18 Jun 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 18 Jun 2015 Answered on

Fri, 10 Jul 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : What is happening to me that I'm leaking out bowel movements without even knowing it
until it's too late?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rovena (51 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
detailed below.

Detailed Answer:
Hello.

Welcome to Healthcare Magic.

I read carefully your query and understand your concern.

It is called bowel incontinence and the most common cause for it is diarrhea.
In your case the cause might be diarrhea.Since you are taking intravenous antibiotics to treat a severe infection (sepsis) ,a common side effects is diarrhea ,due to an imbalance of gastrointestinal bacterial flora .
The symptoms will get better after you finish the treatment but meanwhile ,if it causes a great discomfort ,you should discuss it with your treating doctor.He can prescribe you a medication to control diarrhea.

Hope it helps.
Let me know if you have any question.

Kind regards,
Dr.Rovena Murati

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rovena (21 hours later)

Thanks for your answer and I understand what you are saying. I have
Crohn's and take diphenoxylate. Even that isn't working--is there another
medication I can ask her for?

Thanks, XXXXXXX Nowak

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rovena (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
detailed below.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again.

In your case ,since diphenoxylate isn't working other antidiarrheals like Loperamide ,opium tincture should be tried or the dose of Atropine-Diphenoxylate can be increased.
You need to discuss it with your treating doctor.
Meanwhile try to drink plenty of water to replace the fluids and stay hydrated.

Take care.
Dr.Rovena

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar