Encopresis - The Types, Causes and Treatment of the Disorder

Encopresis affects up to 2% of all children

Encopresis is a condition that is most often found in children who have been toilet trained. While there are some conditions that can bring this on in adults it is generally more common among children.

Studies show that encopresis affects up to 2% of all children. Encopresis is defined as having repeated bowel movements in a location where it is not appropriate to do so. This can be a complex issue to treat and while treatment is being pursued it is important that parents take steps to help manage the issue. Many children can benefits from using incontinence underwear. This type of underwear will protect skin and clothes when the child has an accident. Incontinence underwear for children can be found on sites that sell adult incontinence products. For help and guidance in selecting incontinence products please click on http://caregiverpartnership.com/incontinence-product-finder.

As stated above there are conditions that can bring on encopresis in adults. This is known as a type of fecal incontinence. Adults who cannot control their bowel movements will have to deal with this problem through both treatment and management. There are a number of different incontinence products that can help. Many adults choose to use an adult diaper or wear incontinence underwear with an incontinence pad that can be changed frequently. One of the most popular fecal incontinence pads is found as part of the Abena adult diaper line. You can check out this item by clicking on http://caregiverpartnership.com/product/abena-abri-san-special-pad-for-fecal-urinary-incontinence/746/.

Many parents are unsure as to whether or not their child is having encopresis. The diagnostic standard is if the child continues to have bowel movements in inappropriate locations at least every month for 3 months in a row then they have met the criteria for the problem to be diagnosed as encopresis.

It is important to understand that there are 2 very different types of encopresis. Knowing about the types will help to determine how to treat it. These types of encopresis are-

• Retentive encopresis-This is the most common form of encopresis among children. When a child has this type there is a physical problem that is occurring that is keeping the child from having a bowel movement. The child may actually wish to defecate in the toilet but be unable to due to lack of sensation, pain being experienced, or even a blockage. One of the major side effects of this condition is chronic constipation. This can be made worse by a lack of fiber, physical activity, and water.
• No-retentive encopresis-This type happens when the child simply refuses to have a bowel movement in the appropriate place. This is most often a behavioral issue rather then a physical one. Constipation is usually not a factor in this type of encopresis. In addition, the child may seem fearful or even defiant and use this type of behavior as a control mechanism.

                                Watch this video - how to select the right incontinence product It is crucial to determine what type of encopresis the child has since it is important that he or she is not made to feel shame or guilt over something they cannot control. Unfortunately, many times parents criticize or scold a child over the lack of toileting skills only to find out later that the problem was beyond the child’s control. The bottom line is that if your child is experiencing encopresis then a medical evaluation is called for. You should make sure that your pediatrician thoroughly examines the child to determine if there is an underlying physical problem. When a physical problem is diagnosed then the doctor and the family can move ahead to treat it and resolve both the underlying problem and the encopresis. If a physical problem is ruled out then the parents will need to address the behavioral component of encopresis. Many children with this condition have benefited from talking with a counselor and resolving issues that have brought on this behavior. To find out more about all aspects of incontinence please visit http://caregiverpartnership.com/landing/incontinence.

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About The CareGiver Partnership. The CareGiver Partnership helps caregivers and their loved ones with answers to their caregiving questions, including information about home health care products and supplies, from our Wisconsin-based team of Product Specialists who are all current or former caregivers. The company’s Web site provides the largest online library of resources on subjects most important to caregivers — from arthritis to assisted living, and Parkinson’s to prostate cancer — as well as access to more than 3,000 home care products for incontinence, skin care, mobility, home safety and daily living aids. The CareGiver Partnership was founded in 2004 by Lynn Wilson of Neenah, Wisc. Visit http://www.caregiverpartnership.com to learn more or call 1-800-985-1353.

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