Constipation (1) Flashcards
What is Encopresis?
→ What occurs here?
What are some factors as to why it’s so common for children to become constipated?
What is the most common cause?
What are some of the other causes?
➊ Faecal incontinence
→ Chronic constipation stretches the rectum, causing loss of sensation
➋ • Low fibre diet
• Dislike of using the toilet
• Reluctance to pass stool due to pain
• Not recognising sensation of needing to pass stool i.e. Encopresis
➌ Diet
➍ • Hirschsprung’s
• CF – particularly Meconium Ileus
• Hypothyroidism
• Spina bifida
• Bowel obstruction
• Anal stenosis
How does it present?
What are some of the complications?
➊ • Rabbit dropping stools
• Abdominal pain on opening bowels
• Rectal bleeding
• Faecal impaction causing overflow soiling
➋ • Pain
• Anal fissures
• Overflow and soiling
• Reduced sensation if chronic - Encopresis
What are the lifestyle changes to make?
How is it managed medically?
➊ High fibre diet, good fluid intake, and encourage good toileting habits
➋ Movicol (osmotic laxative)
• If impacted, start on a high-dose movicol disimpaction regime first before giving a maintenance dose
