Tetanus in injecting drug users

of laxatives, and overflow from faecal impaction-may present as incontinence with a normally functioning anal sphincter. 2 Even people with poor functioning of the sphincter can obtain much symptomatic benefit from measures to firm up the stool. If an underlying cause for diarrhoea is not found dietary advice can be very helpful, bearing in mind that a diet rich in fibre may exacerbate incontinence. Occasionally, antidiarrhoeals such as codeine phosphate or loperamide may be required.