Encopresis (encopresis): symptoms, causes, drugs, etc. • hello healthy

Definition

What is encopresis?

Encopresis is a condition where feces are passed out accidentally, which usually occurs in children over the age of 4 who have learned to use the toilet. Not being able to withstand defecation due to encopresis is not an intentional thing. In general, encopresis is caused by an underlying medical condition, both physically and mentally.

Encopresis is more common in boys of school age, less than 10 years.

Signs & Symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of encopresis?

Encopresis symptoms may include:

Pooping in your pants, which is often considered diarrhea
Constipation, hard and dry stools
Large stool
Do not want or refuse to defecate
The distance between long stools
Your appetite goes down
Bed wetting during the day (peeing in your pants)
Recurrent bladder infection, especially in girls

There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

Call the doctor when you notice any of these symptoms in your child:

Severe, long-lasting, or recurrent constipation
Complaining of pain during defecation
Do not want / refuse to defecate; withhold bowel movements
Pooping in the pants when the child is over 4 years old

Cause

What increases my risk for encopresis?

There are many risk factors for encopresis, namely:

Using medications that can cause constipation, such as cough drops
ADHD
The autism spectrum
Anxiety disorders or depression

Diagnosis & Treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How is encopresis diagnosed?

Doctors diagnose encopresis by asking about the child's medical history; how he learned to use the toilet (toilet training); diet and lifestyle; the drugs he is currently taking; to his daily behavior patterns.

The doctor can then run a basic physical exam to check your child's overall health, including the condition of their intestines, rectum, and anus. The doctor may insert a finger (wearing gloves) into the child's anus to examine the stool, and check whether the anal muscles and anal canal size of the child are normal.

In most cases, your doctor may refer your child to an X-ray of the abdomen and pelvis to determine how much stool is accumulating in the intestines, as well as to check if the intestines and rectum are swollen.

Sometimes, a barium enema can also be done. A barium enema is an X-ray-like diagnostic test, where a thin tube is inserted into the rectum of a child draining a radiopaque dye. Then the child's stomach will be x-rayed to see if there are any problematic areas of the stomach (for example, a twisted or narrowed intestine) that causes the child's complaints.

In some cases, the doctor may perform anorectal manometry. The doctor will insert a thin tube into your child's rectum. This tube has a pressure sensor, which allows the doctor to know how your child uses his abdominal and rectal muscles during bowel movements. Most children who have chronic constipation and / or encopresis are unable to properly use these muscles during bowel movements.

This procedure is also useful for ruling out the possibility of Hirschsprung's disease, a rare condition that causes chronic constipation. If the doctor suspects your child's case is due to Hirschsprung's disease, he or she may take a sample of rectal tissue to see if any nerve function is lost. Loss of function of the nerves in the rectum is a hallmark of Hirschsprung's disease.

How is encopresis treated?

The sooner encopresis is treated, the better. The first treatment step involves cleaning the intestines of accumulated feces. This procedure can use prescription laxatives, rectal suppositories, or enemas.

After that, medical therapy will be prioritized to encourage good defecation patterns and habits. In some cases, a psychotherapy referral may be added to the child's medication therapy.

Consult with your doctor further.

Home Remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be used to treat encopresis?

The following lifestyle changes can help your child deal with encpresis:

Expand fibrous foods, including vegetables and fruits, to soften feces.
Drink lots of water
Limit intake of cow's milk. In some cases, cow's milk can cause constipation in children. However, first discuss with your doctor before doing this.
Create a special time for defecating. Ask the child to sit for at least 5-10 minutes on the toilet, at the same time every day. This routine should be done at every meal, because bowel movements will be more active after eating. Don't forget to motivate and praise your child during this waiting time for the bowel movement to come out.
Provide foot support under the toilet, to make it easier for the child to change sitting positions. Sometimes, the extra pressure from your legs puts pressure on your stomach, which can speed up the bowel process.
Understand the child's condition. Keep in mind that holding back bowel movements or defecating in your pants because encopresis is not something your child wants. Don't scold or scold your child. Show affection and give the understanding that conditions will be okay over time.

Please discuss with your doctor for more information. If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.