What does AFR mean in UNCLASSIFIED

Accidental fecal release can occur due to certain medical conditions such as diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, or constipation. Other causes include lifestyle habits such as diet and exercise, medications, or stress.

In most cases, individuals will notice signs that they have experienced an AFR such as wetness around the buttocks area or an unusual smell. An individual may also find that their clothing has been soiled.

Yes! Certain lifestyle changes may help reduce one's risk of experiencing an AFR. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fiber and drinking plenty of water can help keep stool regular and decrease one's chances of having an AFR episode. Additionally, it is important to maintain good stress management habits, as stress can worsen existing gastrointestinal issues.

Yes! If you are experiencing recurrent accidental fecal releases your primary care provider may recommend certain medications to treat your underlying condition or suggest changing up your diet/lifestyle habits in order to reduce symptoms. Additionally, wearing absorbent pads and garments designed specifically for this purpose may help manage the situation in some cases.

While mental health issues such as depression and low self-esteem often arise in individuals who suffer from recurrent episodes of AFR due to embarrassment over their condition, there are no known physical impairments resulting from these episodes alone. However, if left untreated underlying medical conditions could cause long-term damage to the digestive system if not managed with proper treatments and lifestyle modifications.