Bowel Dysfunction

The colon is the last part of your digestive tract; food arrives here after passing through the stomach and small intestine. It's responsible for breaking down any leftover nutrients, water, and fiber that remains before they are eliminated from the body.

The colon does this with help from enzymes that line its inner walls, but when these enzymes are depleted or damaged due to illness or aging then the food begins to "stick" and form clumps (or fecal matter).

Bowel dysfunction occurs when there is a decrease in peristalsis (the contractions of muscles), leading to constipation or an increase in the frequency of bowel movements. Other symptoms can include bloating, gas, cramping, and even feelings of nausea or pain.

The primary cause of bowel dysfunction is constipation which is due to damaged, slowed down, or irregular movement of the colon. This reduction in movement causes the fecal matter to accumulate.

The accumulation can be caused by childbirth-related injuries, physical injury, but most commonly it's related to some kind of disease that slows down or weakens the contractions that move food through your digestive tract.

It may also result from medication. Bowel dysfunctions are more likely to occur with some types of medication than with others; some types having more severe effects than others. It's usually the worst during the first few weeks of treatment. If you're taking medication, you can expect to have some mild discomfort that goes away after two or three months.

Bacteria in the intestines that protect against infections have been identified as a possible cause of bowel dysfunction.

Certain oral medications used to treat diarrhea, such as loperamide (Imodium), may add to this problem. As a result of diminished production of digestive enzymes, medications that are taken with meals may not be digested properly and may contribute to constipation or other digestive disorders.

Bowel dysfunction may be caused by tumors in the bowels, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), infections, metabolic disorders, food allergies, or certain medications.

IBD is characterized by inflammation of the intestines. There are two types of IBD: Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Symptoms of IBD include abdominal cramping, diarrhea, bleeding from the rectum, fatigue, and weight loss.

Bacterial infections that cause inflammation in the intestines are another cause of bowel dysfunction. One example is the Clostridium difficile virus (C. difficile).

Frequently Asked Questions Bowel Dysfunction

What is IBS?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a functional disorder that causes symptoms similar to those of the common bowel disorders but is controlled by mind and body. It causes an abnormal and often uncomfortable pattern of regular and habitual bowel movements.

How many people have IBS?

According to sources, as many as 20% of women and 10% of men suffer from IBS at some point in their lives; some experts say the number may be as high as 35%. This means that in the United States alone, up to 75 million people could be suffering from IBS.

The cause of IBS is unknown; it is believed to be a complex condition related to both gastrointestinal and psychological factors.

What is the difference between normal bowel function and IBS?

Normal bowel function is described as regular, timely, and predictable bowel movements about meals and activities; this varies greatly from person to person. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) causes an abnormal and often uncomfortable pattern of regular and habitual bowel movements.

What is Constipation?

Constipation is a common disorder and it occurs in nearly everyone at least once in their life. It occurs when there is (1) an abnormal/inferiority in peristaltic function (the large muscle that is responsible for constipation) or (2) inadequate/slow movement of the bowels.

Constipation is most common in the elderly. It can also affect women with hormonal imbalances, pregnancy, and postpartum periods. Meanwhile, older men are more likely to experience difficulty with bowel movements than younger men.

Drinking or using certain medications can also contribute to or worsen constipation. Bowel dysfunction continues to be observed in many individuals with HIV/AIDS, cancer, diabetes mellitus, Parkinson's disease, etc.