Managing the bowel in MS
Some people with multiple sclerosis (MS) will never experience bowel problems, but problems can occur. If they do, not everyone finds it easy to approach the subject with their doctor or nurse. But discussing the issue and getting the right support from health care professionals can help many people manage bowel problems more effectively.
This section looks at how the bowel works and how it is affected by MS. It also gives details of ways to manage problems that may occur.
»
MS and the bowel
- Constipation and bowel incontinence
- What might cause bowel problems?
- Don’t put everything down to MS
»
How the bowel works
- The digestive system
- The colon (large bowel)
- Anal sphincter muscles
»
Managing constipation
- What is a healthy bowel movement?
- If you have concerns talk to a health care professional
»
Five general measures for treating constipation
- Good fluid intake
- Healthy-eating diet
- Activity and exercise
- Regular and comfortable routine
- Medication review
»
Managing severe constipation
- Treatments for severe constipation
- Bulking agents
- Stool softeners
- Osmotic laxatives
- Stimulant laxatives
- Suppositories and enemas
»
Bowel incontinence
- Causes of bowel incontinence
»
Managing bowel incontinence
- A thorough assessment
- Check your diet
- A regular and comfortable bowel routine
- Check your medications
- Steps to control leakage and diarrhoea
- Sphincter exercises for strength and control
- Re-training – using ‘biofeedback’
- Surgery
