Functional encopresis or also called faecal incontinence is accidental discharge. This is due to feces gathering in the large intestine and rectum, so that the intestines become full and liquid stools come out or leak. Finally, retained faeces can cause the abdomen to swell above the 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-age children face constipation. Encopresis constipation affects at least four percent of preschoolers and one to two percent of school-age children. In school-age children, encopresis is most likely to affect boys.
What are the symptoms of encopresis?
- Constipation with dry, hard stool
- Removing feces in liquid form (usually in pants)
- Avoid bowel movements
- Long no bowel movements
- Decreased appetite
- Stomachache
If your child has been trained to use the toilet and has one or more of these symptoms, you should immediately contact a doctor.
What causes encopresis?
Constipation
Generally this condition occurs due to chronic constipation. When constipated, your child's stool is difficult to get out, dry and may be painful to remove. As a result, your child will avoid going to the toilet, this will further worsen the condition. The longer the stool accumulates in the large intestine, the harder it is to push the stool out. The large intestine will stretch, and eventually affect the nerve in charge of giving a signal to go to the toilet. When the large intestine becomes too full, liquid stool can come out suddenly or accidentally.
Common causes of constipation are lack of eating fibrous foods, lack of body fluids or rarely consuming dairy products. Sometimes, a child with cow milk intolerance may also experience constipation, although milk intolerance more often causes diarrhea than constipation.
Emotional problem
Emotional stress can trigger encopresis. A child may experience stress too early training in toilet use or changes in a child's life, such as changes in diet, starting school or experiencing divorce from parents or birth of siblings
Risk factors for encopresis
These risk factors can increase the likelihood of encopresis:
- Using drugs 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 toilet training techniques
Avoid starting to use the toilet too early or too hard. Wait until your child is ready, and then use positive encouragement to help your child make progress. Consult with your doctor about practicing effective use of toilets.
Handle 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 enrollment. Follow-up consultation with your doctor can help identify ongoing or recurring problems so that adjustments in care can be done as needed.