Encopresis: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Encopresis | |||
| synonyms = Fecal soiling, fecal incontinence | |||
| field = [[Pediatrics]], [[Gastroenterology]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Fecal incontinence]], [[constipation]], [[abdominal pain]] | |||
| complications = [[Urinary tract infections]], [[psychosocial issues]] | |||
| onset = Typically after age 4 | |||
| duration = Can be chronic if untreated | |||
| causes = [[Chronic constipation]], [[psychological stress]] | |||
| risks = Male gender, [[developmental disorders]], [[emotional disorders]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Medical history]], [[physical examination]], [[abdominal X-ray]] | |||
| differential = [[Hirschsprung's disease]], [[spina bifida]], [[hypothyroidism]] | |||
| prevention = Early treatment of constipation, [[toilet training]] | |||
| treatment = [[Laxatives]], [[behavioral therapy]], [[dietary changes]] | |||
| medication = [[Polyethylene glycol]], [[lactulose]] | |||
| prognosis = Good with treatment | |||
| frequency = 1-3% of children over age 4 | |||
}} | |||
'''Encopresis''' is a [[medical condition]] in which a person, usually a child, has involuntary [[fecal incontinence]]. This condition is often associated with [[chronic constipation]] and is most common in children aged 4 to 17. | '''Encopresis''' is a [[medical condition]] in which a person, usually a child, has involuntary [[fecal incontinence]]. This condition is often associated with [[chronic constipation]] and is most common in children aged 4 to 17. | ||
== Causes == | == Causes == | ||
The primary cause of encopresis is chronic constipation. When a child is constipated, they may avoid going to the bathroom because it is painful. This can lead to a build-up of hard stool in the [[rectum]], which can stretch the rectum and cause it to lose its normal muscle tone. This can result in the child not feeling the urge to go to the bathroom, leading to involuntary leakage of stool. | The primary cause of encopresis is chronic constipation. When a child is constipated, they may avoid going to the bathroom because it is painful. This can lead to a build-up of hard stool in the [[rectum]], which can stretch the rectum and cause it to lose its normal muscle tone. This can result in the child not feeling the urge to go to the bathroom, leading to involuntary leakage of stool. | ||
Other causes can include [[emotional stress]], [[developmental delays]], and certain medical conditions such as [[Hirschsprung's disease]] or [[spina bifida]]. | Other causes can include [[emotional stress]], [[developmental delays]], and certain medical conditions such as [[Hirschsprung's disease]] or [[spina bifida]]. | ||
== Symptoms == | == Symptoms == | ||
The main symptom of encopresis is the involuntary leakage of stool. Other symptoms can include: | The main symptom of encopresis is the involuntary leakage of stool. Other symptoms can include: | ||
* [[Constipation]] | * [[Constipation]] | ||
* Frequent [[urinary tract infections]] | * Frequent [[urinary tract infections]] | ||
| Line 16: | Line 29: | ||
* Loss of appetite | * Loss of appetite | ||
* Poor weight gain | * Poor weight gain | ||
== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
Diagnosis of encopresis usually involves a physical examination and a review of the child's medical history. The doctor may also order tests such as an [[abdominal X-ray]] or a [[rectal examination]] to confirm the diagnosis. | Diagnosis of encopresis usually involves a physical examination and a review of the child's medical history. The doctor may also order tests such as an [[abdominal X-ray]] or a [[rectal examination]] to confirm the diagnosis. | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
Treatment for encopresis usually involves treating the underlying cause of the condition, which is often chronic constipation. This can involve changes to the child's diet, such as increasing fiber intake, and the use of medications to soften the stool and stimulate bowel movements. | Treatment for encopresis usually involves treating the underlying cause of the condition, which is often chronic constipation. This can involve changes to the child's diet, such as increasing fiber intake, and the use of medications to soften the stool and stimulate bowel movements. | ||
In some cases, [[behavioral therapy]] may also be recommended to help the child develop regular bowel habits. | In some cases, [[behavioral therapy]] may also be recommended to help the child develop regular bowel habits. | ||
== See also == | == See also == | ||
* [[Constipation]] | * [[Constipation]] | ||
* [[Fecal incontinence]] | * [[Fecal incontinence]] | ||
* [[Hirschsprung's disease]] | * [[Hirschsprung's disease]] | ||
* [[Spina bifida]] | * [[Spina bifida]] | ||
[[Category:Medical conditions]] | [[Category:Medical conditions]] | ||
[[Category:Pediatrics]] | [[Category:Pediatrics]] | ||
[[Category:Gastroenterology]] | [[Category:Gastroenterology]] | ||
{{stub}} | {{stub}} | ||
{{dictionary-stub1}} | {{dictionary-stub1}} | ||
{{No image}} | {{No image}} | ||
Latest revision as of 03:12, 4 April 2025
| Encopresis | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | Fecal soiling, fecal incontinence |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Fecal incontinence, constipation, abdominal pain |
| Complications | Urinary tract infections, psychosocial issues |
| Onset | Typically after age 4 |
| Duration | Can be chronic if untreated |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Chronic constipation, psychological stress |
| Risks | Male gender, developmental disorders, emotional disorders |
| Diagnosis | Medical history, physical examination, abdominal X-ray |
| Differential diagnosis | Hirschsprung's disease, spina bifida, hypothyroidism |
| Prevention | Early treatment of constipation, toilet training |
| Treatment | Laxatives, behavioral therapy, dietary changes |
| Medication | Polyethylene glycol, lactulose |
| Prognosis | Good with treatment |
| Frequency | 1-3% of children over age 4 |
| Deaths | N/A |
Encopresis is a medical condition in which a person, usually a child, has involuntary fecal incontinence. This condition is often associated with chronic constipation and is most common in children aged 4 to 17.
Causes[edit]
The primary cause of encopresis is chronic constipation. When a child is constipated, they may avoid going to the bathroom because it is painful. This can lead to a build-up of hard stool in the rectum, which can stretch the rectum and cause it to lose its normal muscle tone. This can result in the child not feeling the urge to go to the bathroom, leading to involuntary leakage of stool. Other causes can include emotional stress, developmental delays, and certain medical conditions such as Hirschsprung's disease or spina bifida.
Symptoms[edit]
The main symptom of encopresis is the involuntary leakage of stool. Other symptoms can include:
- Constipation
- Frequent urinary tract infections
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Poor weight gain
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of encopresis usually involves a physical examination and a review of the child's medical history. The doctor may also order tests such as an abdominal X-ray or a rectal examination to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment for encopresis usually involves treating the underlying cause of the condition, which is often chronic constipation. This can involve changes to the child's diet, such as increasing fiber intake, and the use of medications to soften the stool and stimulate bowel movements. In some cases, behavioral therapy may also be recommended to help the child develop regular bowel habits.
