Bowel Problems
Bowel problems are a fairly common symptom for people with multiple sclerosis. Most individuals experience constipation or slow bowel, while a much smaller group report bowel incontinence (loss of bowel control) and diarrhea. Bowel symptoms occur in MS when nerve impulses going to the intestinal tract are interrupted or delayed.
Treatments include behavior modification techniques such as drinking more fluids, establishing a schedule, increasing fiber intake, and exercising. Several medications are also available to assist with these symptoms. Individuals with multiple sclerosis who are having bowel symptoms are strongly encouraged to consult with a gastroenterologist who is experienced with treating patients with MS.
How MS Affects the Bowel
Bowel symptoms can affect nearly 70 percent of individuals with multiple sclerosis. Because MS interrupts or slows the transmission of signals to and from the brain and spinal cord, the electrical impulses to the muscles that are involved in emptying the bowel can become disrupted. Multiple sclerosis may also prevent pelvic floor muscles from relaxing. These muscles are used to help void fecal matter. Also, MS may block the natural increase in activity of the colon following meals.
Most individuals experience constipation or slow bowel. Some people with MS have reported bowel incontinence (loss of bowel control) and diarrhea, although these latter symptoms are less common than constipation in individuals with multiple sclerosis.
Constipation is very common among people with multiple sclerosis. In general, inadequate daily fluid, not enough dietary fiber (less than 20 grams of fiber per day), and lack of physical activity all affect the digestive system. Medications and supplements may also contribute to constipation.
Constipation is characterized by infrequent bowel movements (usually fewer than three bowel movements per week), or by needing to strain to eliminate stool. Constipation can contribute to abdominal cramping, bloating, fullness, or discomfort.
A very distressing symptom, bowel incontinence is the loss of voluntary bowel control. This can range from occasionally leaking a small amount of stool and passing gas to completely losing control of bowels. Bowel retraining can help encourage normal bowel movements. Aspects of this routine may include setting aside time every day to try to empty the bowels, taking in enough daily fiber to keep stool formed, and avoiding foods that trigger a loose stool.
Some individuals experience diarrhea. Diarrhea occurs when the bowel contents progress too rapidly along the digestive tract, resulting in frequent bowel movements that yield watery, loose stools. This is sometimes the result of allergies or sensitivity to spicy foods or dairy products, contaminated water or food, a change in activity level, or a stomach virus. Chronic diarrhea can also contribute to dehydration or poor nutrient absorption in people with multiple sclerosis.
Treatments for Bowel Issues
People with multiple sclerosis who experience bowel problems can try behavior changes and may also benefit from certain medications.
Behavior Modification to Treat Bowel Issues
As noted earlier, several behavior modification techniques may be used to manage bowel symptoms. Taking advantage of these strategies can make a significant difference in minimizing bowel issues and can potentially reduce the need for medications to treat this symptom. Behavior modification techniques for bowel problems include:
- Increase your fluid intake. Try to drink six to eight glasses of water daily.
- Drink something hot as the first beverage in the morning (tea, coffee, etc.) to stimulate a bowel movement (BM). Peristaltic activity (that moves food and waste through the intestines) is increased after a hot beverage or meal.
- Try to maintain regularity. Establish a regular time for emptying the bowels. Plan trips to the bathroom immediately after meals, since eating is a natural stimulus for having a bowel movement.
- Take your time in the bathroom, but if after 10-15 minutes you do not have a BM, try again later. Try to wait no more than two to three days between bowel movements.
- Increase your fiber intake. Eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables as well as whole grain breads and cereals is the best way to increase the amount of fiber you eat. High-fiber cereal can be eaten dry or sprinkled over other foods. You might try a high-fiber supplement but real food is best.
- Be sure to exercise. Activity such as walking helps normalize bowel function.
Medications for Bowel Problems
Several medications are available to help improve bowel symptoms caused by multiple sclerosis. These range from oral medications – such as stool softeners, laxatives, and fiber – to medications given via suppositories and enemas.
Medications for Constipation:
- Stool softeners
- Colace® (docusate)
- Surfak®
- Chronulac®
- Bulk formers
- Metamucil® (psyllium hydrophilic mucilloid)
- Fibercon®
- Citrucel®
- Fiberall®
- Laxatives; oral medications
- Miralax®
- Pericolace®
- Milk of Magnesia® (magnesium hydroxide)
- Mineral oil
- Laxatives; rectal stimulants
- Glycerin suppositories
- Dulcolax® (bisacodyl) suppositories
- Enemeez® Mini Enema (docusate)
- Fleet® (sodium phosphate) Enema
Please note that long-term use of laxatives can be dangerous. Please consult your healthcare provider about using laxatives safely.
Medications for Diarrhea:
- Metamucil®
- Imodium® and related medications
Bowel symptoms can be treated once these symptoms are discussed openly and proper assessment is completed. It’s important to share your concerns with your healthcare providers. If problems continue, individuals are strongly encouraged to get a referral to a gastroenterologist experienced in treating those with multiple sclerosis for bowel management.
Reviewed by MSAA Chief Medical Officer Barry Hendin, MD
Original content by Marie A. Namey, APN, MSCN