Encopresis

Encopresis, also known as fecal incontinence or soiling, is a condition where a child who is already toilet-trained (usually over 4 years old) repeatedly passes stool involuntarily into their clothing. This soiling often happens because of constipation. When a child is constipated, hard stool builds up in their colon. This can stretch the colon and rectum, leading to leakage of liquid stool around the impacted stool.

This condition generally occurs in children over the age of 4, who have already been toilet trained. Most cases are associated with chronic constipation, though in some instances, it can occur without constipation due to emotional factors.

This condition can be challenging for both parents and children, often causing frustration and embarrassment. Nonetheless, with patience and positive reinforcement, effective treatment is achievable.

What Are the Common Symptoms of Encopresis:

The main symptom of encopresis is the involuntary passage of feces, often accompanied by a feeling of fullness in the rectum. Other symptoms may include:

• Fecal Soiling: Involuntary leakage of stool, which may occur without the child noticing.
• Constipation: Difficulty in passing stools, infrequent bowel movements, or hard, dry stools.
• Abdominal Pain: Discomfort or pain in the abdomen due to constipation and stool retention.
• Emotional Distress: Feelings of shame, embarrassment, or frustration due to soiling incidents.
• Loss of appetite: A child with encopresis may lose their appetite due to discomfort or frustration.
• Withdrawing from social activities: The emotional distress of encopresis can lead to social withdrawal and isolation.
• Avoidance of Bowel Movements: The child may avoid going to the toilet due to fear of pain from passing hard stools.
• Irritability: A child suffering from encopresis may feel embarrassed and experience discomfort which may leave them to get easily irritated.

What Causes Encopresis?

Encopresis is often caused by chronic constipation, which can lead to the impaction of stool in the rectum. This can cause the muscles of the rectum to stretch and weaken, making it difficult for the person to control bowel movements. Other possible causes of encopresis may include:

• Emotional or behavioral problems, such as anxiety or oppositional defiant disorder
• Medical conditions, such as spinal cord injury or Hirschsprung's disease
• Poor toilet training or lack of toilet training
• Physical or sexual abuse

Treatment Options for Encopresis

The treatment of encopresis typically involves a combination of medical and behavioral interventions. The first step is to treat any underlying medical conditions, such as chronic constipation or Hirschsprung's disease.

Behavioral interventions may include:

• Toilet training or re-training
• Encouraging regular bowel movements
• Rewarding successful toileting behavior
• Creating a routine and schedule for toileting

In some cases, medications may be prescribed to help with constipation or to regulate bowel movements. Therapy may also be recommended for children with emotional or behavioral problems that may be contributing to their encopresis. In severe cases of encopresis, surgery may be necessary to remove impacted stool or to repair any structural abnormalities in the rectum.

Encopresis can be a challenging condition for both the person experiencing it and their loved ones. However, with the right treatment, most people can achieve successful bowel control and improve their quality of life. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of encopresis, it is important to seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

The individual may or may not also experience constipation. Children with encopresis may feel shame or guilt and may avoid social situations. For some, encopresis is a result of trauma or emotional dysregulation. Encopresis is seen in boys more than girls. Children with ADHD, Autism spectrum disorder, anxiety, or depression are at increased risks of experiencing encopresis. Encopresis can be treated with EMDR therapy, neurofeedback therapy, and/or positive reinforcement and patience.

Contact Serin Center to get more information on how we can help.