Question and Answer: Encopresis (Fecal Soiling) and Functional Fecal Retention Answer by: Paul E. Hyman, M.D., Professor of Pediatrics, Chief of Pediatric Gastroenterology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS Question My son was diagnosed with encopresis almost 2 years ago. My doctor thinks it is my fault my son has encopresis, saying I […]
Introduction Cancer of the colon and rectum remains one of the most deadly forms of cancer. It is the third most common cancer in the United States, yet it is quite curable by surgery when found in its early stages. Since it involves the lower gastrointestinal tract, treatment of colon and rectal cancer frequently affects […]
If your child has fecal or bowel incontinence, you need to see a doctor to determine the cause and treatment. Fecal incontinence can occur in children because of a birth defect or disease, but in most cases it’s because of chronic constipation. How can constipation lead to fecal incontinence? Potty-trained children often get constipated simply […]
Here are some common questions about GI disorders in children: How do I know if my child really has an upset stomach, or is trying to avoid going to school? Many school-age children never think about faking it; assume the bellyache is real. However, children and parents often forget that some bellyaches come from too […]
Gastroparesis (GP) is a disorder in which the stomach empties very slowly. The delay in stomach emptying can result in bothersome symptoms that interfere with a patient’s life. GP most often occurs when the nerves to the stomach are damaged or don’t work properly. In most people diagnosed with GP a cause of the condition […]
Tips to consider when finding a doctor Whether your doctor is a family doctor or a specialist (like a gastroenterologist), there are certain qualities to look for to help you get the care you need for your incontinence. Here is a checklist of questions to consider: Is your doctor sympathetic? Does he or she listen […]
CVS is a chronic disease marked by severe, recurrent episodes of nausea and vomiting in a person who is otherwise healthy. CVS episodes often flip-flop with states of wellness. Vomiting may occur every 5-10 minutes for several hours during an episode. On average, CVS episodes last 3-7 days but vary with each person. An episode […]
Pediatric functional gastrointestinal (GI) and motility disorders are challenging to live with and to treat. But usually, working with a caring and accesible health care provider, they are manageable. For parents or care givers of children with illness four questions are paramount: What is wrong? Is it dangerous? Will it go away? What can we […]
“Incontinence” is the word used to describe loss of control over when and where we go to the bathroom. Bowel incontinence occurs when the loss of control of gas, liquid stool, or solid stool is enough to cause discomfort or distress. Incontinence is a sign that something is wrong – some part of the bowel […]
Specialized testing for constipation is typically reserved for patients with chronic constipation that is severe or difficult to treat. All such patients should undergo colonoscopy or barium enema to exclude an anatomic cause as well as the basic series of blood tests to exclude abnormalities that can cause constipation. If these studies are normal, a […]
Let’s address some of the most common questions asked about gastroparesis (GP). What is gastroparesis? Gastroparesis is a condition where symptoms occur and the stomach empties too slowly. No blockage is evident. The delayed emptying is confirmed by a test. How common is gastroparesis? While the incidence and prevalence of gastroparesis are not well-defined, it […]
Scientific research is essential to help understand which diets will work best for each person with gastroparesis. Currently, dietary recommendations are based on observations of what foods normally tend to promote or delay gastric emptying. Working with a registered dietitian (RD) or nutrition support specialist (nurse or doctor) can be extremely helpful in designing a […]