Urinary incontinence and fecal incontinence

Jan Busby-Whitehead: Affiliation:
University of North Carolina
Christine Arenson: Affiliation:
Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia
Samuel C. Durso: Affiliation:
The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Daniel Swagerty: Affiliation:
University of Kansas
Laura Mosqueda: Affiliation:
University of Southern California
Maria Fiatarone Singh: Affiliation:
University of Sydney
William Reichel: Affiliation:
Georgetown University, Washington DC

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Summary

Urinary and fecal incontinence are common problems among older adults, with many not discussing symptoms with providers. Incontinence has a significant negative impact on quality of life and can contribute to caregiver strain. The evaluation of urinary and fecal incontinence should focus on potentially reversible or treatable contributing factors. Treatment often depends on the type of incontinence, and initial treatment should begin with behavioral approaches. Common behavioral treatments include dietary management, timed voiding, pelvic floor muscle exercises, and strategies to control urgency symptoms. Biofeedback should be considered for the treatment of fecal incontinence, along with other behavioral treatments. Pharmacologic treatments differ for urinary and fecal incontinence. Anti-muscarinic and beta-agonist drugs are available for the treatment of urinary incontinence. Pharmacologic treatments for fecal incontinence focus on improving stool consistency. Non-invasive office-based procedures have an important role for treating both types of incontinence.

Type: Chapter
Information: Reichel's Care of the Elderly
Clinical Aspects of Aging
, pp. 383 - 397

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9781107294967.027 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication year: 2016

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Chapter 27 - Urinary incontinence and fecal incontinence

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