As part of toileting, a child will need to practice the Valsalva maneuver. This is the technique of holding your breath while tightening your abdominal muscles and bearing down to have a bowel movement. Fiber Fluids Exercise Diet and exercise are important. A child should eat foods that are high in fiber , like fresh vegetables and fruits. They should drink plenty of fluids throughout the day.
Exercise is also important in starting and maintaining healthy bowel habits.
The successful treatment of encopresis typically takes from six to twelve months. It is important to continue both the bathroom schedule and the use of laxatives. This should be done for at least 6 months, while the colon heals. Remember that even after treatment ends, a child must maintain good eating, exercise, and toileting habits. When this is done, encopresis usually will not recur.