The optimal treatment regimen of encopresis involves both a medical and behavioral approach. The treatment goals will probably be multifold:
- To establish regular bowel habits in the child.
- To increase amount of liquids and high-fiber foods in the child's diet.
- To reduce stool retention.
- Short-term use of stool softeners or laxatives.
- To restore normal physiological control over bowel function.
- To defuse conflicts and reduce concerns within the family brought on by the child's symptoms.
- To accomplish these goals, attention will be focused not only on the physical basis of encopresis but also on its behavioral and psychological components and consequences.
In the initial phase of medical care, the intestinal tract often has to be cleansed with medications. For the first week or two the child may need enemas, strong laxatives or suppositories to empty the intestinal tract so it can shrink to a more normal size.
Maintenance involves scheduling regular times to use the toilet in conjunction with daily laxatives like mineral oil or milk of magnesia. Proper diet is important, too, with sufficient fluids and high-fiber foods. These steps will keep the stool soft and prevent constipation. When improperly supervised, these interventions have potential dangers for the health of the child and so should be done only under the supervision of the child's physician. The maintenance phase will usually last two to three months or longer.
