|
Soiling Soiling is when a child passes part or all of a bowel movement (BM) in their underwear. The medical name for soiling is encopresis. Children who tend to soil often throughout the course of the day, but do it in small amounts are generally either constipated or else their bowels are impacted (or blocked). The soiling takes place because pieces of the hard stool are trapped in the rectum and break off at inopportune times. Soiling commonly occurs when a child is running or jumping such as during recess or in gym class. Constipation can occur in children for a number of reasons, the most common ones are:
The link with other problems Children who have a tendency to soil are more likely to have emotional problems or behavioral problems than are children who do not soil. A research study looking into children from the ages of seven to eight who soil on a regular basis, found that this problem with the bowels is closely linked to a multitude of other emotional problems such as:
Not only is soiling a physical problem, it can also be an impediment to learning in school and to social development. Most schools refuse to accept youngsters who are not toilet trained and children who soil themselves are often shunned and teased by their peers. Approximately 10% of children who are 10 years of age soil their clothes and 90% of the time it is due to problems with constipation. The majority of children who soil will respond favorably to dietary changes and in some case the use of laxatives. Dietary changes for soiling problems There is such a thing as a non constipating diet and this is what a child who soils should be on. Make sure your child consumes plenty of fruits and vegetables on a regular basis, and be aware that the more raw ones he eats, the better it is for his bowels. Some examples of excellent foods to choose from are:
Due to its high content of fiber, bran is a natural form of a laxative and should be included in your child’s daily diet. Try bran cereals, bran muffins, and whole wheat bread. Other foods that are high in fiber include peas, chili beans, lima beans, navy beans, oatmeal, brown rice, nuts, popcorn, and shredded wheat. Limit your child’s intake of milk and milk products such as cheese, yogurt, and ice cream. Because milk has been proven to cause constipation. Cooked carrots are also linked to constipation so make sure your child avoids those.
|
| ||||||
 |
Hot Topics: Domestic Violence: A pre-existing condition? Serena: The wanna be vegetarian Personal Story: How I recovered from my Eating Disorder Mama wants to help: Food Bank programs and shelter assistance Lucy Goes Green: Talk dirty to me What no one will tell you about tummy tuck surgery Mama's favorite item of the week: Trees for the Future
Win a Gift Bag filled with Goodies from Stonyfield
| ||||||
|
Information obtained from MamasHealth.com™ should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner, nor should it be inferred as such. Always check with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about a specific condition.
Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the Terms
of Use. ©2000 - 2009 MamasHealth, Inc.™. All rights reserved | ||||||
|
| ||||||
