11) Fecal Incontinence
Another frequent, although poorly recognized symptom of IBS is dreaded fecal incontinence. Fecal incontinence, also called anal or intestinal incontinence, is an impaired ability to control the passage of feces. Symptoms may vary from mild to severe. In severe cases, patients will be completely unable to control the sphincter muscles that regulate defecation. Patients with IBS suffering from fecal incontinence regularly soil themselves. In case of bleeding in conjunction with a lack of bowel control, it is possible that other more serious conditions are present such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, or cancer.
