Encopresis in Children

Encopresis is a condition that young children suffer from, with a prolonged, and severe case of constipation that doesn't go away within a short span of time. Stool is hard and not easy to pass, being hard in nature, and is lodged inside the large intestine and isn't soft enough to flow through. This can cause extreme discomfort for toddlers, and most times, they avoid going to the bathroom, and therefore end up soiling their clothes. The liquid / semi solid stool smells offensive, as it passes around the hard stool to come through.

The condition worsens as time goes by, making a child's rectum lose the ability to hold in any stool, making him / her constantly end up stained around the rear. This can cause problems in children physically, as the condition goes unnoticed and untreated. It can even subject emotional pressure on the child, since he / she is aware of how this causes problems among schoolmates and parents. They tend to blend into the shadows, and not really want to communicate with anyone, especially during class / play time. Parents need to understand that this is a condition that has to be treated, and not use this as a way to emotional stress out their children.

Encopresis Causes

When children face these bowel problems, one needs to understand why their child is going through this in the first place. Here's why chronic constipation in children takes place.

• Going overboard on junk food / sugary edibles.
• Holding in stool, and avoiding the bathroom.
• Not using the bathroom at school when the urgency to pass stool arises.
• Not enough physical activity.
• Not enough fresh fruit juice and water intake.
• Eating foods that are low in fiber content.
• Change in bathroom routine if a child is put in a new school, making him / her avoid going when needed.

Encopresis Symptoms

To be able to read and notice these signs, it is imperative that you keep an eye out on these children, and do what is necessary to get the help they need. These are what you should look out for as the signs of chronic constipation in toddlers.

• Child will be constantly itching the rear area, since watery stools will cause him / her to feel uncomfortable.
• Stools are watery in nature.
• Lack of appetite.
• Not mixing among his / her friends or family at home.
• Not taking part in school activities.
• Child complains of pain in the abdominal area.
• Staining themselves by not being able to hold it for too long.
• Disinterest in play time, and anything that needs his / her involvement.

Encopresis Treatment

There are ways that a child can get through this time, by the availability of medications and enacting certain habits at home.

Stool Softeners
Stool softeners for children need to be ingested where these agents aid in softening the stool, to make it pass through the system without being trapped in the rectum. Stool softeners that are given include - Miralax TM, mineral oil, lactulose or milk of magnesia. This will help in softening one's stool, without being absorbed into the blood stream, passing out with the feces itself. Doses are directed by the doctor, and must be followed accordingly.

Change in Diet
Children have to go on a diet that contains lots of fibrous foods, like fruits and vegetables, to give the body the required amount of roughage that it needs. Children should eat foods like bran, oats and barley as well. Parents should speak to their children to not feel hesitant or ashamed when they feel like using the bathroom, or if they stain themselves. Encouraging them, and controlling one's frustration when the child makes a mess, is important.

Encopresis can be treated without any problems should the condition be identified at an earlier stage. Children will benefit greatly from being treated in time, and won't have to deal with painful or uncomfortable moments. Have a healthy tomorrow.