Encopresis

Encopresis, also referred to as paradoxical diarrhea, is the voluntary or involuntary soiling of the feces in young children who have typically already completed toilet training. Stool often leaks into underwear on people with encopresis. When the symptom occurs in adults, it is more frequently referred to as fecal leakage (FL), fecal soiling, or fecal seepage. This term is typically used to refer to children.

Cause

Reflexive withholding of stool due to a variety of physical, mental, or neurological conditions or following surgery

Diagnosis

The following are the psychiatric (DSM-IV) diagnostic standards for encopresis:

• Repeated, intentional or unintentional transit of excrement into unsanitary areas (such as underpants or the floor).
• For a minimum of three months, at least one such event per month.
• A minimum chronological age of four years (or equivalent developmental level)
• Except for a process involving constipation, the conduct is not entirely a result of a physiological action of a medication (such as laxatives) or a general medical condition.

Treatment

• Tidying up
• Utilizing stool softeners
• Scheduled sitting periods, usually following meals

Others

• Reducing consumption of foods that cause constipation, such as dairy, almonds, cooked carrots, and bananas
• A rise in foods high in fiber, such as bran, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables
• Increased consumption of water and liquids like juices, though an excess of sweetened juices has been linked to an increased risk of diabetes and/or tooth decay.
• Reduce your intake of coffee, tea, and other caffeinated beverages.
• Offer wholesome meals and snacks, and restrict fast food and junk food with a lot of fat and sugar.
• Limit whole milk intake for children over 2 years old to 500 mL (16.9 ounces) per day, but do not completely stop giving them milk because kids need calcium for strong, growing bones.