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Diagnosis and Overview |
| Encopresis
is simply defined behaviorally as fecal soiling in inappropriate places
for children over 5 years of age. It occurs in 2-3 percent of the pediatric
population and it could well be underreported. Physical causes for encopresis
should be “ruled out.” However, they are present in only 5 percent or
so of cases. Thus, encopresis is a “functional” disorder which frustrates
physicians and parents alike. You are dealing with a smelly, offensive,
body product which can cause disease and urinary tract infections, especially
in girls. Encopresis in and of itself causes both psychological and
physiological consequences rather than the reverse. This is very confusing
for both parents and physicians because of their “medical model” assumptions.
Encopresis
takes two basic forms. Functional Fecal Retention (FFR) is extreme
overlearned reflexive holding which can result in an enlarged colon
or even a “megacolon” which can be confirmed by X-ray and digital
examination. Painful bowel movements and even hospitalization may
result. A vicious cycle frequently results leading to even more automatic
“holding.” This can perpetuate the FFR of encopresis for months and
even years. The non-retentive form of encopresis is much less common
and is more typical of developmentally delayed children or children
who just do not appear to have been toilet trained in the first place. |
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Soiling Solutions
an End to Encopresis!
