Encopresis is the repeated passage of stool into the underwear after a child has reached the age of toilet training (usually 4 years old). It is involuntary and is often caused by chronic constipation.
The main cause of encopresis is chronic constipation. When a child is constipated, they have fewer bowel movements than normal. Bowel movements can then become hard, dry, and difficult to pass. This can be painful that the child may start to avoid going to the toilet. The longer the stool remains in the colon, the more difficult it is for the child to push it out. The colon stretches, ultimately affecting the nerves that signal when it’s time to go to the toilet. When the colon becomes too full, soft or liquid stool may leak out around the retained stool or loss of control over bowel movements may occur.
Other causes of encopresis include:
*Psychological factors, such as anxiety or fear of using the toilet
*Medical conditions, such as Hirschsprung’s disease or spinal cord abnormalities
*Medications, such as opioids or anticonvulsants
Encopresis can cause a number of problems for children, including:
*Social embarrassment
*Low self-esteem
*Depression
*Anxiety
*Bedwetting
*Urinary tract infections
Treatment for encopresis usually involves a combination of lifestyle changes and medications. Lifestyle changes may include:
*Increasing fibre intake
*Drinking plenty of fluids
*Regularly sitting on the toilet for 10-15 minutes after meals
*Using stool softeners or laxatives
Medications may be used to help soften stool and make it easier to pass. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove impacted stool or correct an underlying medical condition.
With treatment, most children with encopresis can be cured. However, it is important to seek treatment early to prevent the development of long-term problems.