Elimination disorders can be a challenging yet important topic to explore for parents, caregivers, and medical professionals. These disorders affect both children and adults and can lead to significant discomfort and embarrassment. Proper diagnosis and management are essential to ensure the well-being of the person affected by the disorder.
In this article, we will explore the definition and types of elimination disorders, explain the symptoms and causes of these disorders, and offer parents and caregivers useful tips on helping children and adults struggling with an elimination disorder. You will also learn when it is necessary to seek professional help to prevent the disorder from affecting the quality of life of the person in your care.
What Are Elimination Disorders?
Elimination disorders represent a category of disorders associated with improper emptying of urine and feces. Typically, these disorders are diagnosed in childhood—if a child is unable to control their bladder or bowels beyond the age when potty training normally ends, they may be suffering from an elimination disorder.
There are two main types of elimination disorders—enuresis and encopresis. Enuresis, or bedwetting, is characterized by the inability to exercise bladder control. A child or an adult with encopresis cannot hold their bowel movements—in some cases, this disorder is psychological rather than physiological.
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Symptoms of Elimination Disorders
It is important to know the signs of elimination disorders to be able to diagnose the issue and help the person affected by it. Here are the most common symptoms of enuresis and encopresis:
- Bedwetting and clothes wetting
- Avoiding going to the bathroom
- Constipation
- Stool incontinence
- Passing large stools
Children who struggle to control their bladder and bowel may refuse to participate in sports and social activities, become withdrawn, and suffer from low self-esteem. This makes it crucial to address the symptoms of elimination disorders as soon as they are discovered.
Causes of Elimination Disorders
There is no single reason behind elimination disorders—a person may fail to control their bathroom habits due to a physical or psychological condition. Here are a few possible causes of elimination disorders:
- Delayed development. If a child is slower to be potty-trained compared to their peers, the issue may persist for a few years.
- Medical condition. Infection, diabetes, or a more serious kidney or bladder ailment may lead to bedwetting.
- Mental disorder. Sometimes, stress and anxiety make the child freeze up and avoid normal bathroom habits.
If you believe the elimination disorder of your child was triggered by a negative experience in their life or a physical trauma they have suffered, talk to a mental health professional.
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Diagnosis of Elimination Disorders
To confirm the child in your care has an elimination disorder, you need to take them to see a doctor. A healthcare provider will review the medical history of the patient, talk to the child and their parents, and run a physical examination to check for signs of enuresis and encopresis.
In addition, the doctor may suggest performing urine and blood tests to rule out the infection or more serious disease as the reason behind bedwetting. In rare cases, an X-ray or MRI is required to properly visualize the bladder and bowels.
Treatment of Elimination Disorders
Fortunately, elimination disorders are treated successfully with and without medication. Here are a few treatment options you may consider:
- Therapy. A psychologist will be able to help the child to cope with stress and build their confidence, targeting the issue through talk therapy.
- Diet changes. It may be possible that the current nutrition of the child is not suitable for them—removing certain products from the menu and increasing water consumption can help with bowel movements.
- Medication. After the disorder is diagnosed, the doctor may prescribe the child drugs that will address the underlying cause of the disorder, whether it is a hormonal imbalance or a mental issue.
Work together with the healthcare provider to design a treatment plan that suits the child and helps them to reinstate normal bladder and bowel function.
Address Elimination Disorders With Professional Help
Whether your child is showing the symptoms of enuresis or encopresis, realizing they may be struggling with an elimination disorder is the first step toward resolving this issue. It is crucial to diagnose the disorder, implement a personalized treatment plan and work with a healthcare provider to help the child feel comfortable and confident in their daily life.
If you need to consult a mental health professional to guide you in this matter, get in touch with Treat Mental Health. Our experienced team will be happy to assist you!
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FAQs About Elimination Disorders
What Does Elimination Disorder Mean?
Elimination disorder is a disorder that affects a person’s ability to control their bladder, bedwetting, and bowel passing stools in their clothes. This disorder is usually diagnosed in young children.
What Are the Types of Elimination Disorders?
There are two main types of elimination disorders—enuresis and encopresis. “Enuresis” means a person is unable to control their bladder, while “encopresis” refers to the lack of bowel control.
What Are the Signs of Elimination Disorders?
The most common symptoms of elimination disorders are as follows: bedwetting, avoiding the bathroom, constipation, and stool incontinence. If your child is passing large stools and has traces of feces in their underwear, they may have an elimination disorder.
What Causes Elimination Disorders?
Elimination disorders may be caused by a physical or psychological issue. For instance, a child may bedwet because their development was delayed or because they suffer from an infection or chronic disease.
How to Treat Elimination Disorders?
You can help your child to overcome an elimination disorder by taking them to therapy, adjusting their diet, and giving them medication prescribed by the doctor. In most cases, elimination disorders are successfully resolved with timely treatment.
