Encopresis In Children

Constipation is common in children, affecting up to 10% at one point. Yet only 3% of parents actually seek the advice of a physician for this condition. Constipation describes the rare bowel movement (stool) or passage of hard stools. Any definition of constipation depends over how often the child normally passes stools and normal consistency of stools. Many children normally pass stools as distant as a few days. Regardless, you should treat hard stools that are difficult to pass and those that happen only every three days as constipation.

Changes in diet, or a different diet affect bowel habits. In adults, diets rich in fiber have improved bowel function. In children, however, diets high in fiber have not been proven to improve constipation. Infants and children who eat balanced meals typically are not constipated.
Constipation is likely to occur when your child is not drinking enough water, milk or fruit juice, or if your child does not eat a healthy diet that includes enough fiber. Fiber is found in foods such as cereals, grains, fruits and vegetables. If your child eats a diet high in refined sugars and fat (candy and desserts), he or she is likely not receive fibers, which can cause constipation.

Child strongly resists potty training, wait a few weeks - or months - and then try again. If your child resists having bowel movements, try a softener OTC stool and more foods rich in fiber and lots of water. It might be useful to stick to regular mealtimes and take scheduled breaks and bathroom. Reward your child's efforts to use the toilet, even if he or she has no saddle.

If the accumulation of fecal matter becomes so big and strong that it gets stuck on your child's doctor may suggest an enema or laxative to help remove the blockage. Keep in mind that the long-term use of laxatives may prevent children from learning to have regular bowel movements, then follow the instructions of the doctor.

Stool soiling, also called encopresis, which happens when children who are already toilet trained dung accidentally seep into their underwear. Stool soiling occurs most often because of constipation, affecting about 2 percent of children. In most cases, the amount of dirt is small and a little stain underwear. In almost all cases, stool soiling is involuntary - your child does not mean the floor of his pants. Dirt can just happen sometimes. If this happens often - every day or several times a day - the problem may need to be treated.

Laxatives are usually prescribed if a child develops chronic constipation. The first objective is to eliminate any effects (stuck) stool. This can be done fairly quickly with a good dose of strong laxative. Sometimes a suppository or an enema is needed to clear a large impact stool. After the impact has been compensated saddles, it is important to continue to "maintenance" laxatives as prescribed by your doctor. This can be for several months or up to two years.

Treatment depends on the child's age and the severity of the problem. Often, dietary fiber and more (fruit, vegetables, whole grain cereal), drinking more fluids, and exercise becomes more the problem will be solved. Sometimes a child may need an enema to remove the stool or a laxative to soften it or prevent a future episode. However, laxatives can be dangerous for children and should be administered only with the approval of a doctor.