How Common Are Bladder And Bowel Dysfunction With Multiple Sclerosis
Impairments in bladder function with multiple sclerosis are common and may affect up to 78 to 90 percent of patients during the course of MS. The prevalence of bowel dysfunction in MS is estimated to be about 68 percent of patients. Bladder and bowel symptoms are relatively common in MS and can be treated. Goals for bladder and bowel management include maximizing independence and preventing incontinence and complications.
Ms Symptoms Specific To Women
The MS symptoms that primarily affect women seem to relate to hormone levels.
Some researchers think that having lower levels of testosterone may play a role. Others think fluctuations in female hormones may be a factor.
More research is needed to determine the true causes of these symptom differences.
The main symptoms that affect women more than men include menstrual problems, pregnancy-related symptoms, and menopause issues.
Treating Nausea When Dealing With Ms
Nausea can be really debilitating, making it hard for you to concentrate and socialise. Dont simply think that nausea is something that you have to put up with. There are a number of things you can do to treat MS nausea:
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Avoid fried, greasy or sugary foods, in line with the OMS diet.
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Dont assume that the nausea is a result of the MS and get a check-up with your doctor for other possible causes and treatments.
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Treat the vertigo using a combination of physiotherapy, diet, exercise and medication combine all of these by following the OMS recovery program.
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Use assistive devices to help you stabilise yourself when you feel dizzy.
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Drink plenty of water dehydration can cause nausea.
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Try acupressure. Pressure point P-6, also called Neiguan, is found near your wrist, on your inner arm. Doing acupressure on this point can help relieve nausea.
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If you have certain times of day where you feel better, complete tasks during these times and rest when you feel poorly.
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Try vestibular rehabilitation look for a specialist. This is an exercise-based program, to improve balance and reduce problems related to vertigo, vision problems or dizziness.
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Specific exercises for treating vertigo involving slow head rotations, can help nausea. Never push yourself if you are feeling unwell as safety is the priority. Stay clear of upside-down movements.
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Always consult a medical professional before exercising after an attack of vertigo.
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How To Control Diarrhea
- Drink more liquids to make up for what your body is losing. Try water, lemonade or fruit-flavored drinks, fruit or vegetable juice, broth, milk, or soup.
- Talk with your doctor or dietitian about how much fiber you should eat.
- Eat soft foods that have a lot of liquid, such as sherbet, yogurt, and pudding.
- Ask your doctor whether changing your medications might help relieve the diarrhea. But donât try to take less or stop taking them before you talk to them.
- Don’t take over-the-counter drugs for diarrhea without talking to your doctor.
Describing The Ms Hug
![Natural treatment for stomach ulcers Natural treatment for stomach ulcers](https://www.stomachguide.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/natural-treatment-for-stomach-ulcers-philadelphia.jpeg)
People describe their MS hug in different ways. For some its uncomfortable, for others its painful. If you need to describe your MS hug, use whatever words make sense to you.
For example, is it a tingling? Some people say their ribs are painful to touch, or their skin feels like its been stung by nettles.
It can feel like its making it harder to breathe as if theres a rubber band around the chest, or a corset done up tight. People sometimes call it banding or girdling.
Some people prefer to call it the MS squeeze because its certainly not a friendly hug.
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Are There Known Triggers For Ms
Experts suspect a number of potential triggers or risk factors for MS. For example, some believe that its due to a chronic infection . Others believe that its primarily a genetic neurological disease. These theories challenge the idea that MS is primarily an autoimmune disease although there may be more than one trigger or combination of triggers that causes a person to develop MS.
Some studies suggest that head injuries might be a risk factor for MS. If true, it raises important questions about how MS develops and how it might be prevented. On the other hand, its not an easy thing to study because researchers would never intentionally cause head injuries to see if they cause MS. Another way to study this question is to enroll people who already have MS, look back at whether they had concussions, and then compare them with similar people who dont have MS.
A study published in the September 2017 issue of Annals of Neurology did just that.
Ms Can Cause Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Like dyspepsia, IBS feels like a vague non-diagnosis the thing they call the thing that they dont know what the thing is. IBS feels like it goes with the word just. As in, relax, its not cancer, its just IBS. And, again, I say How dare you? I am suffering here. Irritable is what I become when I order brunch and my eggs arrive over-poached. Talk to me when you change the name to Homicidal Bowel Syndrome and I might reconsider HBS as a valid possibility.
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How Nerve Damage Can Impact Organs
And because the brain sends messages to the sexual organs through the spinal cord and vice versa, Dr. Scherz says damage anywhere along that path may cause sexual problems, including difficulty getting aroused, reduced sensation and trouble achieving orgasm.
Lesions in the parts of the brain responsible for coordinationoften lead to balance and coordination problems, which tend to begin in the legs and move to other parts of the body as the disease progresses. Muscle spasticity and weakness, stemming from fatigue or other symptoms, may also be to blame.
People with MS may have difficulty walking, and in advanced stages, need a cane or wheelchair or to be bedridden, Dr. Scherz says.
Changes To Bladder And Bowel Function With Ms
Issues with bladder and bowel function can be a common problem for people with MS at some stage in their life. These issues may be related to other conditions, so it is important to report any changes, so the right assessments can be made.
Issues with bladder and bowel function may include:
- Incontinence an accidental or involuntary loss of urine from the bladder or bowel motion, faeces or wind from the bowel . It is a widespread condition affecting many Australians, so you should not feel alone.
- Bladder dysfunction symptoms including greater or less frequency of passing of urine, urgency, incontinence, urinary tract infections and the need to urinate frequently overnight.
- Bowel issues including severe constipation, faecal incontinence and diarrhoea.
With the right advice, you can manage these symptoms and prevent complications or associated illnesses.
You can also make small changes that could make a big difference, including:
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You May Have Cancer Fears That Leads To Stomach Problems
- National Institutes of Health.Mayo Clinic: Abdominal Pain. Dehydration.FamilyDoctor.org: Dehydration.
- CDC: Food Poisoning Symptoms, Foodborne Illnesses and Germs, Norovirus, Prevent the Spread of Norovirus.Cleveland Clinic: Food Problems: Is it an Allergy or Intolerance, Anaphylaxis.
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Not Drinking Enough Water
It’s common for people with MS to cut back on water, especially if they experience problems with urinary urgency or nocturia. Some people with MS also reduce fluid intake when they are going out or traveling, as getting to a restroom may be difficult. It’s important to drink plenty of water throughout the day if you have MS. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which act as diuretics and can dehydrate you more.
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Causes And Their Treatments
Claudia Chaves, MD, is board-certified in cerebrovascular disease and neurology with a subspecialty certification in vascular neurology.
Low back pain is very common in the general population, but even more so among people with multiple sclerosis . Though many with MS share this aspect of their disease experience, why they do can vary, as causes range from physical changes to practical challenges .
It’s also possible for people with MS to experience what healthcare providers call “mixed pain,” meaning more than one MS process is causing their low back discomfort.
In addition to the physical challenges of MS recent research indicates that fatigue and mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety are closely associated with significant pain in MS patients.
Likewise, research has shown that lifestyle factors which MS patients and those supporting them can address are also associated with pain. These include smoking tobacco, fatigue, and an unhealthy diet and insufficient exercise, both of which can contribute to obesity.
Addressing both mental health conditions and modifiable lifestyle factors provides significant areas of treatment to consider when seeking to reduce or prevent pain in patients with multiple sclerosis.
Links Between Ms And Gastroparesis
![Gastroparesis: Causes, symptoms, and natural remedies Gastroparesis: Causes, symptoms, and natural remedies](https://www.stomachguide.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/gastroparesis-causes-symptoms-and-natural-remedies.jpeg)
Research published in 2018 in Frontiers in Immunology looked at the relationship between latitude, vitamin D deficiency, melatonin levels and the digestive system as a way to better understand how MS develops.2
They found that deficiencies in melatonin and vitamin D can impact the ability of the intestines to absorb calcium. This leads to the potential for developing gastroparesis because the digestive system needs adequate amounts of calcium in order for the smooth muscles of the intestine to contract properly.
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How To Get Bowel Movements Back To Normal
- Drink more fluids. Make sure you get enough water every day. You might be tempted to cut back on it if your MS gives you bladder problems. But that makes constipation worse. Make your first beverage of the day something hot, such as hot water or apple cider, or drink 1/2 to 1 cup of prune juice in the morning to get things moving.
- Get more fiber. The best way is to eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and whole-grain breads and cereals. Add 2 to 4 tablespoons of unprocessed wheat bran to hot or cold cereal or casseroles, or mix it with applesauce, pancake batter, pudding, muffin batter, milkshakes, or cookie dough. Be sure to drink plenty of liquids, which help the bran work inside you. Your doctor may also recommend that you take a fiber supplement.
- Stick to a schedule. Set a regular time when youâll go to the bathroom. Try going right after meals since eating is a natural way to prompt a bowel movement. Try to wait no more than 2 to 3 days between bowel movements.
- Exercise. Itâs a great way to get your digestive tract going.
- Use stool softeners. But only if your doctor says it’s OK.
Gastroparesis And Ms: Causes Symptoms And Treatments
Do you suffer from painful belly bloating? Youre not alone. Up to 30 percent of people with MS report having indigestion symptoms, compared to 8 percent of the general population. Many people with multiple sclerosis experience gastroparesis, a feeling of fullness, nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain shortly after consuming food. Women are more likely to develop gastroparesis than men.
A serious but treatable disease, gastroparesis occurs when the stomach doesnt empty normally, leaving food to sit in the gut. Because this gastrointestinal disorder has not been well studied in people with MS and doctors often overlook or misdiagnose it many people struggle with debilitating symptoms for years.
Members of MyMSTeam say gastroparesis makes it hard to eat, get sufficient nutrition, and maintain weight. Gastroparesis is really taking a toll on me, said one member. Another said, I have zero appetite, but when I do eat, the food literally just sits in my stomach, causing terrible pain, bloating.
Those with severe symptoms feel that gastroparesis is worse than MS itself. I suffer more from stomach problems than MS, said one member. I was in the hospital twice, not responding to diet or medication. We were seriously beginning to question whether this would finally do me in, shared another.
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If This Resonates With You Then
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At Perfect Balance Clinic, our Nutritionists or Functional Medicine Practitioners will provide you with an important assessment of your condition and discuss many routes to explore for optimum health. Our assessment covers important aspects that most practitioners seem to miss in normal sessions with their clients. This allows us to accelerate your recovery! Simply use the contact form below to provide us with your details to get booked in.
Sensory Symptoms And Ms
Changes in sensations such as numbness, pins and needles and tingling are common MS symptoms, related to damage to nerve covering in certain areas. These sensations can occur anywhere on the body such as the arms, legs and face. They can be mild or could interfere with your ability to use the affected part of your body, such as difficulty in writing with a pen.
The new onset of sensory symptoms may be associated with a relapse and should be reported to your MS healthcare team.
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Psychological Aspects Of Ms
Mood issues can be very common in MS, not just around the time of diagnosis, but at various stages of life. The most common mood disturbances are depression and anxiety which can be short or long term.
The most important thing to remember is to talk to your MS healthcare team as soon as you start to notice symptoms, so that you can access appropriate help, to improve your quality of life.
Actions For This Page
- Multiple sclerosis is a disease of the central nervous system that can affect the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves.
- Common symptoms include fatigue, bladder and bowel problems, sexual problems, pain, cognitive and mood changes such as depression, muscular changes and visual changes.
- See your doctor for investigation and diagnosis of symptoms, since some symptoms can be caused by other illnesses.
- Whilst there is not yet a cure for MS, researchers are making promising progress and discoveries about the treatment and management of MS every day.
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What Are Some Bowel Management Points To Remember If I Have Multiple Sclerosis
- The goal is a comfortable bowel movement either every day, every other day, or every 2 to 3 days. For regular bowel movements you need fluid , fiber and activity.
- One-third of a cup of Fiber One®, All-Bran® or 100% Bran Buds® gives you half the fiber you need for the day.
- Greasy foods, spicy foods, or food intolerances may cause loose stool and may result in involuntary bowel movements.
Plan of action
- Eat regularly for regular bowel habits. Plan for a bowel movement each day about ½ hour after eating or drinking something warm . Sit on the toilet about 10 minutes, and try to have a BM. You may want to gently rock back and forth on the toilet. If nothing happens, leave the bathroom and try again later.
- Use a suppository to help stimulate bowel activity. Occasionally, it might help to take milk of magnesia or citrate of magnesia to stimulate bowel activity.
- It may take two to three months to establish a regular bowel regimen.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 01/28/2019.
References
Bowel Problems You Might Have With Multiple Sclerosis
![Nursing Mnemonics and Tips Archive Nursing Mnemonics and Tips Archive](https://www.stomachguide.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/nursing-mnemonics-and-tips-archive-nclex-quiz.jpeg)
Constipation. Itâs very common for people with MS. The disease can interrupt the messages nerves send to and from the brain that signal that itâs time for a bowel movement. MS can also keep pelvic floor muscles from relaxing, which helps your body get rid of stool. Also, it can stop the natural increase in activity of your colon after you eat.
Outside of MS, a poor diet , too little exercise, and depression all affect the digestive system. Medications and supplements also can cause constipation.
Loss of bowel control. This problem means you may not be able to reach the bathroom fast enough. The most common causes include long-lasting constipation, severe diarrhea, stress, hemorrhoids, nerve or muscle damage, and using laxatives too much.
Diarrhea . It usually happens because of allergies or sensitivity to spicy foods or dairy products, bad water or food, a change in activity level, or an infection. Diarrhea can also signal another problem. If it you have it often or all the time, see your doctor. In some cases, they may tell you to see a doctor who specializes in treating bowel problems, called a gastroenterologist.
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Does Aspartame Cause Stomach Problems
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. Also, can artificial sweeteners cause stomach issues?
According to a study published in the journal Molecules, researchers found that six common artificial sweeteners approved by the Food and Drug Administration and 10 sport supplements that contained them were found to be toxic to the digestive gut microbes of mice.
Additionally, what are the side effects of aspartame? News reports over the last few decades have claimed that aspartame causes or increases the risk of:
- headaches.
- attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
- Alzheimer’s disease.
- cancer.
Herein, why does aspartame hurt my stomach?
Aspartame a commonly used artificial sweetener has been dogged by controversy, despite being deemed safe by food regulators in the UK, EU and US. Some believe they are sensitive to the sweetener. Anecdotal reports suggest it can cause headaches and stomach upsets.
What are the signs of aspartame poisoning?
In one older study , scientists found that aspartame seemed to increase symptoms in people with a history of depression, but not in those without such a history.Mood changes