What Is Encopresis and What to Do About It?
Encopresis is something to be aware of when there are possible intestinal health problems. It is more common than you might guess, especially in children. Encopresis can be thought of as constipation gone out of control. When the waste in the colon builds up for any number of reasons, you have constipation. If this is not relieved reasonably soon, the person can becomed impacted. An X-ray can show if there is impaction, if you want one done. At times, the solid waste builds up and causes the colon to expand to accommodate the growing mass. The colon can expand up to four times its typical size. Liquid waste may seep around the solid mass as well. This leads to streaking or staining in the underwear, smaller ‘droppings’ coming through, or what appears to be alternating constipation and diarrhea. Or constipation and a thick, pasty output. If you see any of these, consider encopresis and deal with it immediately because toxins may be stagnating in the colon and lead to even more problems.
