What is Encopresis and How Does it Affect Children?

Ah yes, poop again. But, it has to be talked about.

Encopresis is actually a long standing problem developed from constipation. A child who has chronic constipation will often not completely empty themselves and the large intestine will start to stretch, allowing stool to “leak” around the hard, formed, stool in the colon. The first sign of encopresis is usually stained underwear but most parents assume the child is not wiping well.

How do you treat encopresis?

Well, you first need to have it diagnosed by a doctor…then you need to treat it by emptying the intestines. Like constipation, laxatives are the best bet when it comes to developing good habits in children who have chronic problems.

We use MiraLax on a daily basis, supplement Phillips’ Concentrated Milk of Magnesia when things get slow, and if we really need it we add in a Fleet Enema Pediatric For Children. And trust me, we have had to succumb to the enema several times (and we use high fiber foods as much as we can on his limited diet). AJ is a terrible “holder”. He has even held an enema for more than an hour before…