Table of contents:
- What are the symptoms of encopresis?
- What causes encopresis?
- Constipation
- Emotional problems
- Encopresis risk factors
- How to prevent encopresis in children?
- Avoid constipation
- Learn effective potty training techniques
- Treat encopresis as soon as possible
Functional encopresis or also known as faecal incontinence is the accidental discharge of feces. This is because feces collect in the large intestine and rectum, so that the intestine becomes full and the liquid stool comes out or leaks. Finally, retained stool can cause the stomach to swell beyond its normal size (abdominal distension) and lose control of bowel movements.
Encopresis usually occurs in children over 4 years of age. At that age, most children have learned to use the toilet. In most cases, encopresis is a symptom of chronic constipation. However, in other, less frequent cases, encopresis may be caused by growth problems or emotional problems.
About 16-37 percent of school-aged children face constipation. Constipation with encopresis affects at least four percent of preschoolers and one to two percent of school-aged children. In school-aged children, encopresis is most likely to affect boys.
What are the symptoms of encopresis?
- Constipation with dry, hard stools
- Discharge of stool in liquid form (usually in your pants)
- Avoiding defecation
- Long time no defecation
- Decreased appetite
- Stomach ache
If your child is toilet trained and has one or more of these symptoms, it's best to contact the doctor immediately.
What causes encopresis?
Constipation
Generally this condition occurs due to chronic constipation. When constipated, your child's stool is difficult, dry and may be painful to pass. As a result, your child will avoid going to the toilet, which will only make the condition worse. The longer the stool stays in the large intestine, the more difficult it is to push the stool to pass. The large intestine will stretch, eventually affecting the nerves that signal to go to the toilet. When the colon becomes too full, liquid stool can pass suddenly or involuntarily.
Common causes of constipation are the lack of eating fibrous foods, lack of body fluids or rarely consuming dairy products. Occasionally, a child with cow's milk intolerance may also experience constipation, although milk intolerance causes diarrhea more often than constipation.
Emotional problems
Emotional stress can trigger encopresis. A child may experience stress as a result
premature toilet training or changes in a child's life, such as changes in diet, starting school or experiencing a divorce from a parent or the birth of a sibling
Encopresis risk factors
These risk factors can increase the likelihood of encopresis:
- Using medications that can cause constipation, such as cough suppressants
- Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Autism spectrum disorders
- Anxious or depressed
How to prevent encopresis in children?
Avoid constipation
Help your child avoid constipation by providing balanced nutrition that is high in fiber. Don't forget, encourage your child to drink enough water every day.
Learn effective potty training techniques
Avoid starting toilet training too early or too vigorously. Wait until your child is ready, and then use positive encouragement to help your child make progress. Talk to your doctor about effective toilet exercises.
Treat encopresis as soon as possible
Early treatment, including guidance from your pediatrician or mental health professional, can help prevent the social and emotional effects of encopresis. A follow-up consultation with your doctor can help identify any ongoing or recurring problems so that adjustments in treatment can be made as needed.
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