Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a genetic disorder that primarily damages the connective tissues and the kidneys. Connective tissues are essential in the human body because they support the skin, bones, internal organs like kidneys, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels. EDS disorders can impair these connective tissues, making them weaker and influencing the structures they support.
The most frequent form of EDS is hypermobile EDS. Classical EDS, Vascular EDS, and Kyphoscoliotic EDS are some of the more unique forms of EDS.
Signs and Symptoms of Ehlers Danlos Syndrome
Each condition has its own set of symptoms ranging from moderate and treatable to life-threatening in severity. All EDS disorders may be distinguished by the presence of certain specific Ehlers Danlos Syndrome symptoms, which include:
- Hypermobility of the joints
- Skin that is thin and elastic
- Skin that is delicate and prone to bruising and bleeding
- Fatigue
- Joints that are prone to dislocation
- Joint aches and pains
Hypermobile EDS patients may also have bladder and bowel issues such as stress or urgency incontinence, as well as intestinal dysmotility, in addition to their other symptoms.
EDS – Kidney Issues
Whenever the blood circulation to the kidneys is stopped, it is referred to as a renal infarction (or kidney failure). A typical scenario is when someone has heart disease, cancer, or severe kidney injury in addition to their other medical issues. However, around one-third of instances of renal infarction is deemed idiopathic, meaning that there is no known etiology.
SRAD is a new diagnosis that may account for some, if not all, of these idiopathic instances, according to some experts. It is related to diseases that damage the vascular tunica medium (a portion of the blood vessel’s wall), such as EDS, and may be induced by complicated activity.
What are the chances that someone with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome may have bladder or bowel problems?
Connective tissue may be found in every part of the human body, including the bladder and the intestine. Bowel issues are more prevalent than bladder diseases in people with Hypermobile EDS, especially in women. The performance of peristalsis, which is the movement required in the intestine to remove waste from the body, is dependent on the integrity of connective tissues. Suppose there are any anomalies in the connective tissues. In that case, this can cause problems with the function of the intestine, such as constipation and motility problems. In severe cases, paralysis of the digestive system, known as ‘gastroparesis.’ Prolapse of the rectal and genital organs can occur at any moment. It can make it challenging to perform a bowel motion.
Incontinence and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Treatment
You will most likely be referred for several tests if you have been diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and are experiencing gastrointestinal problems. These tests will assist in establishing the cause or location of your symptoms and develop a treatment plan for you. Treatment options for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome are many and vary depending on the severity of the symptoms encountered. Rather than curing the diseases, the therapies will attempt to reduce their symptoms as much as possible.
Among the tests that you may be referred to are:
- Gastroscopy or colonoscopy: A gastroscopy is a procedure in which a camera can see down the throat and into the stomach. A colonoscopy is a procedure in which a camera is put into the rectum to view the colon. It is necessary to do both tests to look for any symptoms of abnormalities or inflammation.
- Stomach emptying tests – used to determine the severity of dysmotility by measuring how quickly the stomach empties into the small intestine (intestinal transit time).
- Hydrogen breath test: It will determine whether or not there is an overabundance of bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract.
- Barium contrast swallow test: the dye used in this test will reveal any structural abnormalities of the esophagus that may exist.
- Protography is a procedure in which x-ray pictures of the rectum or anus are obtained to look for any blockages or obstructions that may contribute to your problems.
To make you more comfortable and enhance your overall health, it is most probable that a combination of conservative and pharmacological therapies will be utilized. Because many persons with EDS fail to recover properly due to the delicate nature of their tissues in general, surgical treatments will only be explored as a last choice and only after thorough consideration.
Living with a bladder or bowel illness, or caring for someone who has a bladder or bowel condition, can have an emotional and social impact on you; it can be beneficial to chat with others who understand your position to get some perspective. The Bladder & Bowel Community Forum is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and will allow you to connect with others who are experiencing the same symptoms as you. Start your subject now, or follow one that piques your interest.
