About Fecal Incontinence in Children
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Symptoms
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Fecal incontinence may manifest as a partial or total loss of bowel control. Children with fecal incontinence may experience seepage of liquid stood matter or mucus. Also, children with fecal incontinence may experience chronic constipation.
Abnormalities and Defects
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Fecal incontinence may occur as the result of abnormalities of the tissues located in the anorectal area. Also, fecal incontinence may occur as a result of sphincter defects. Children with neurological conditions such as spina bifida may also be unable to control their bowel movements.
Medical Treatments
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The treatments for fecal incontinence vary depending on the underlying cause of the condition. Some possible treatments include dietary changes, medications, surgical interventions and sphincter exercises.
Psychological Incontinence
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In some cases, fecal incontinence may be rooted in psychological issues. Children who refuse to use the bathroom regularly either because they do not want to stop playing to go to the bathroom or because they are fearful about using the potty may develop chronic constipation, which may over time lead to fecal incontinence.
Psychological Incontinence Treatments
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Children who experience psychological fecal incontinence will need positive reinforcement to correct the problem. The International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders recommends that children with chronic constipation and fecal incontinence be encouraged to spend five minutes on the toilet after every meal and at bedtime to establish bathroom routines. Also, children with this type of fecal incontinence should be rewarded for having bowel movements on the toilet. A child should never be punished for soiling himself.
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