Fecal incontinence in adults

Patients should be advised on coping methods. These include:

Diet: a food diary is useful, with modification of one food at a time in an attempt to identify potential symptom contributors. Specific foods that may contribute include prunes, rhubarb, fruit juices, licorice, and figs. Artificial sweeteners (e.g., sorbitol) also have laxative properties. Alcohol, caffeine, and some vegetables (beans, broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage) are often associated with loose stools.
Continence products.
Skin care.
Psychological and emotional support.
Strategies to achieve independence (e.g., planning routes for travel to facilitate access to public conveniences).
Pelvic muscle exercises.

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Patient discussions