Lack of bowel control in a child who has previously been toilet-trained. The child does not have diarrhea or constipation. A child normally does not have complete bowel control until at least 2 1/2 years of age.
Causes of Encopresis
Causes may include: physical or emotional crisis in the child’s life, such as birth of a sibling or recent illness with diarrhea, resistance to using the toilet because of too much pressure to do so, if the problem is long-term, the original cause may be forgotten, and the behavior may persist as a habit. Other causes may be due to impairment in the child’s nervous system, painful bowel movements, resistance to using toilet facilities at school, on camping trips, or outdoor toilets, and dietary problems that cause constipation.
Signs and Symptoms of Encopresis
Symptoms are: bowel incontinence, and left lower abdominal mass (sometimes).
advertisement
Find more information
Advertisement
Medical Content Last Updated on 07/12/2008
Disclaimer
The information contained on this site is for the sole purpose of
being informative. This information is not and should not be used or relied upon as medical
advice. Always seek the advice of your physician, nurse
Or other qualified health care provider before you undergo any treatment or
for answers to any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
If you believe you have a medical emergency, please discontinue use
of MyElectronicMD and call 911 now.
Nothing contained on or provided through the service is intended to be or is
to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment.
Your use of this site is subject to certain terms and conditions.
