Dallas
214-456-8000
Fax: 214-456-8005
Plano
469-497-2505
F: 469-497-2511
Park Cities
469-488-7000
Fax: 469-488-7001
Prosper
469-303-5000
Fax: 214-867-9511
Pediatric encopresis (en·cop·re·sis) occurs when the colon becomes too full and liquid stool (bowel impaction) involuntarily leaks into the underwear. Encopresis is sometimes mistaken for diarrhea.
214-456-8000
Fax: 214-456-8005
469-497-2505
F: 469-497-2511
469-488-7000
Fax: 469-488-7001
469-303-5000
Fax: 214-867-9511
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.
Chronic constipation is the typical cause of encopresis. Much less frequently, emotional issues can cause encopresis.
All treatment options should be discussed with your child's healthcare provider first.