Bowel Dysfunction. Bowel dysfunction, which can include constipation or fecal incontinence, is a serious problem for many patients. Constipation may be caused by the disorder itself or by medications used to treat spasms or other symptoms.
Sexual Dysfunction. Sexual dysfunction is a common problem, occurring in over 70% of patients. Men are likely to have impotence and women, problems with vaginal lubrication. It appears to be highly associated with urinary dysfunction.
Urinary Dysfunction. Urinary problems from bladder dysfunction occur in two-thirds of patients. Some patients have difficulties in urinating at will, called urinary retention. Often it takes the form of urge incontinence (also called hyperactive or irritable bladder). People with urge incontinence need to urinate frequently or are unable to reach the bathroom before leakage. In such cases, the bladder is overactive. Complications in the urinary tract also produce a high rate of urinary tract infections.
Difficulty Swallowing. A third to a half of patients experience difficulty in chewing or swallowing, problems that may be caused or made worse by many MS medications.
Speech and Hearing Problems. Problems in speech may occur because of difficulty in controlling the quality of the voice and articulating words. (Problems with language itself, however, are very rare in MS.) Hearing problems also occur in MS and may affect speech.
Problems in the Lungs. As the muscles that control breathing weaken, the ability to cough is impaired and the patient is at higher risk for pneumonia and other complications in the lungs.
Osteoporosis. Osteoporosis (loss of bone density) and subsequent fractures are common and under-recognized problems among patients. Osteoporosis is caused and worsened by immobility and by some MS medications. Fractures caused by falls can be far more serious in patients than in the normal population, leading to problems including deconditioning or even inability to walk, obstruction of the intestines (from pain-relieving medications), and respiratory complications.
Previous Section
