Does multiple sclerosis affect the gastrointestinal system?

Question

Dylan Andrews · Accepted Answer

Around half of sufferers experience constipation and 30-50% experience bowel incontinence at one time.

Constipation can result from MS patients' disruption of the signals to and from the brain that signal when it's time for a bowel movement. The disease can also affect the pelvic floor muscles by preventing them from relaxing, which aids in the removal of waste from the body. Drugs that may be prescribed to help control bladder symptoms may also cause constipation. Low fluid intake, decreased physical activity and mobility, and slowed food movement through the intestinal tract can all contribute to constipation. People with MS may experience diarrhea as a side effect of taking certain medications, but infections or poor diet can also cause this. Incontinence issues may arise because MS patients may find it more difficult to hold in loose stool if they have anal sphincter muscle dysfunction. Enhancing bowel movements with pelvic floor exercises, drinking more water, eating five or more servings of fruit and vegetables a day, and consuming more fiber can all help with these issues. Visit https://tutor.hix.ai for more details. I hope this was useful.

Lydia Antoine · Answer

undefined Yes, multiple sclerosis can affect the gastrointestinal system, leading to symptoms such as constipation, diarrhea, difficulty swallowing, and incontinence. These symptoms can result from damage to the nerves that control the gastrointestinal tract.