Pediatric Encopresis
Encopresis occurs when the colon becomes too full and liquid stool (bowel impaction) involuntarily leaks into the underwear. Encopresis is sometimes mistaken for diarrhea.
What is Pediatric Encopresis?
Also known as soiling or fecal incontinence, encopresis is the repeated, involuntary leaking of stool into a child’s underwear. In most cases, encopresis occurs due to chronic (long-term) constipation. When the colon and rectum become too full of impacted stool (as in constipation), liquid stool leaks around the impact, out of the rectum and into the underwear.
Encopresis is typically diagnosed in children age 4 or older, after they’ve been toilet trained.
What are the signs and symptoms of Pediatric Encopresis?
Chronic bladder infections (in girls)
Chronic constipation
Daytime wetting (incontinence)
Going long periods of times (usually several days) between stooling
Large stools that clog the toilet
Leakage of solid or liquid stool into the underwear
Little interest in eating
How is Pediatric Encopresis diagnosed?
Abdominal x-ray
Barium enema
What are the causes of Pediatric Encopresis?
Chronic constipation is the typical cause of encopresis. Much less frequently, emotional issues can cause encopresis.
Anal sphincter nerve damage
Colonic inertia
Fear of using a toilet
Rectal infections/tears
Stress
How is Pediatric Encopresis treated?
Diet and lifestyle change
Enema
Intestinal/rectum retraining
Removing impacted stool
All treatment options should be discussed with your child's healthcare provider first.
Pediatric Encopresis Doctors and Providers
