Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic condition that can cause various symptoms throughout the body. In some cases, people living with MS may experience problems with their bowels that can result in bowel dysfunction.
MS is a progressive condition that affects the CNS. Evidence indicates that MS is an
The course of MS is not predictable, and the condition can affect people in different ways. In some people, nerve damage may affect the function of the bowels. Evidence suggests that
Treatments are available to help people manage their symptoms, and some home remedies and eating strategies may also help keep bowel movements regular.
In this article, we discuss common bowel problems that may occur in people living with MS. We also look at the treatment options and suggest ways to promote bowel regularity.
MS is an autoimmune condition that attacks nerve linings and disrupts the electrical impulses in the body. This disruption can either block or delay nerve signals from the CNS. When MS affects nerve signals that control the bladder and bowel, it can result in dysfunction that causes incontinence or fecal impaction.
As the bladder and bowel dysfunction originates from damage to nerves, some doctors may refer to it as neurogenic bladder and
Bowel dysfunction is common in people living with MS. Typically, people will experience the following bowel problems:
Constipation occurs when a person has very few bowel movements or difficulty passing them. It is a common symptom of MS, affecting about
Constipation may result directly from MS if nerve damage affects the bowels. However, it can also occur due to issues outside of the condition itself, such as:
According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, constipation may also exacerbate other MS symptoms, such as:
If constipation persists for a prolonged period, it may lead to fecal impaction. In people with this severe bowel condition, very hard stool gets stuck in the rectum or lower colon. This immobile mass of impacted stool will block the passage and cause a buildup of waste, which a person will not be able to pass. If a person does not receive treatment for fecal impaction, it can cause severe damage.
Fecal incontinence occurs when a person cannot control their bowel movements. This lack of control causes stool to leak from the rectum. In people with MS, this may occur if nerve damage affects the bowel or sphincter. However, it may also occur as a result of other issues, such as prolonged constipation.
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Diarrhea occurs when the contents of the bowels move too quickly through the digestive tract and do not give it time to pull enough water from the stool. The result is frequent defecation of loose, watery stools.
Diarrhea may occur due to a loss of sensation in the rectal area, which results in involuntary relaxation, allowing the release of loose stool. MS may also cause overactive bowel functioning or sphincter abnormalities that can lead to diarrhea.
A person with MS who experiences regular bowel dysfunction should see their doctor to check whether it is a sign of MS involvement or another underlying issue.
It may also help to keep a diary of bowel movements, detailing their time and frequency, as well as the consistency of the stool. If a doctor suspects that something from the diet may be causing the symptoms, they might ask the person to note the foods they eat each day in a food journal. This information could help people identify and eliminate problem foods that tend to trigger symptoms.
Once a doctor has diagnosed the cause of bowel dysfunction, they can recommend a treatment plan.
Treatments for bowel dysfunction will vary depending on the underlying cause and severity of symptoms.
Various constipation treatments are available, and doctors may recommend one or more different medicines depending on symptom severity and how well a person responds to treatment. Some examples include:
Learn more about natural ways to relieve constipation.
If fecal matter becomes impacted and cannot move from the colon or rectum, a person will need treatment to remove the mass of stool.
Doctors may create a specific treatment plan for people with fecal incontinence. Usually, this will involve medications, dietary changes, and bowel training, although surgery may be necessary in some cases.
Treatments for diarrhea include strategies to add bulk to the stool, such as fiber supplements. The medication loperamide (Immodium) may also help relieve diarrhea.
People can take several steps to promote bowel regularity. These include:
Bowel dysfunction is a common complication in people living with multiple sclerosis. People can implement many strategies to try to manage bowel dysfunction, including lifestyle and dietary adjustments. In some cases, people may require medications or other medical treatments to help relieve symptoms.
A person should work closely with their doctor to identify other possible causes and triggers of bowel dysfunction and create a treatment plan that is effective in helping them manage their symptoms.
Last medically reviewed on July 7, 2021
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