Encopresis facts for kids

Encopresis is when a child who has already learned to use the toilet (usually over 4 years old) has accidents and soils their clothes with poop. This can happen on purpose or by accident. It's more common than many people think and can be a difficult problem for kids and their families.

Understanding Encopresis

Encopresis is a medical condition, not a behavior problem. It means that a child passes stool (poop) into their underwear or other places, even though they are old enough to be toilet trained. This can be embarrassing for the child, but it's important to remember it's not their fault.

What Causes Encopresis?

Most of the time, encopresis is linked to constipation. Constipation means that a child's poop is hard and difficult to pass. When a child is constipated, their body might hold onto poop for a long time.

How Constipation Leads to Accidents

When poop stays in the colon (the large intestine) for too long, it can become very hard and dry. This makes it painful to pass. Because it hurts, the child might try to hold it in even more. Over time, the colon can stretch out and become less sensitive. This means the child might not feel the urge to go to the bathroom.

Sometimes, softer poop can leak around the hard, blocked poop. This softer poop can then soil the child's underwear without them even knowing it. This is called "overflow encopresis."

Other Possible Causes

While constipation is the main reason, other things can also play a role:

• Diet: Not eating enough fiber or not drinking enough water can lead to constipation.
• Holding it in: Some children avoid going to the bathroom because they are busy playing, don't like public restrooms, or had a painful bowel movement before.
• Stress: Big changes or stressful events in a child's life can sometimes affect their bowel habits. Examples include moving to a new home, starting a new school, or family problems.
• Medical conditions: In rare cases, a medical issue might cause encopresis. Doctors will check for these if needed.

How Encopresis Is Helped

Helping a child with encopresis usually involves a few steps. The main goal is to treat the constipation and help the child have regular, soft bowel movements.

Medical Treatment

A doctor will often suggest ways to clear out the built-up poop. This might involve special medicines that help soften the stool or help the bowels move. It's important to follow the doctor's advice carefully. These medicines are safe and help the body get back on track.

Diet and Lifestyle Changes

• Fiber: Eating more foods rich in fiber is very important. This includes fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Fiber helps make poop softer and easier to pass.
• Water: Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps keep the body hydrated and prevents poop from becoming too hard.
• Regular toilet time: Encouraging the child to sit on the toilet at regular times each day, especially after meals, can help train their body to have bowel movements. This should be a calm and relaxed time.

Emotional Support

Encopresis can be upsetting for children. They might feel ashamed or sad. It's very important for parents and caregivers to offer lots of support and understanding.

• No blame: Remind the child that it's not their fault.
• Patience: Getting better takes time and patience.
• Positive reinforcement: Praise efforts and successes, no matter how small.
• Professional help: Sometimes, talking to a counselor or therapist can help a child deal with the emotional side of encopresis.

Encopresis is a common problem that can be successfully treated with the right approach. With medical help, diet changes, and lots of support, children can overcome this challenge and feel much better.

See also

• Constipation
• Toilet training