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Encopresis

Parul Chaudhri, DO Reviewed 04/2024
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Defined by DSM-5 and Rome IV Diagnostic Criteria, as repetitive and inappropriate passage of feces.

  • Diagnostic criteria:Chronological and developmental age of at least 4 years of age;...

DIAGNOSIS

Functional constipation is a clinical diagnosis based on above criteria. No additional testing or labs in children with no red flag symptoms. 

HISTORY

  • Stool pattern, consistency, and interval;...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • 4 key elements: dietary modification, behavior modification, medications, disimpaction (if needed)

  • Anticipatory toilet training advice about when children should reduce relia...

ONGOING CARE

Record bowel movements successfully passed as well as soiling episodes as well as incorporating a reward system to promote continued efforts at sitting on the toilet regularly. Open commu...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Baird DC, Bybel M, Kowalski AW. Toilet training: common questions and answers. Am Fam Physician. 2019;100(8):468–474

  • Constipa...

CODES

ICD10

  • R15.9 Full incontinence of feces

  • R15.1 Fecal smearing

  • F98.1 Encopresis not due to a substance or known physiol condition

  • R15.0 Incomplete defecation

  • R15.2 Fecal urgency

SNOMED

  • 302690004 Encopresi...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • 90% of encopresis results from chronic constipation.

  • Address toddler constipation early by decreasing excessive milk intake, increasing fruits/vegetables intake, and ensuring adequate f...

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