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Pediatric encopresis

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.

Overview

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.

Signs and Symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of pediatric encopresis?

Diagnosis

How is pediatric encopresis diagnosed?

  • Abdominal x-ray

  • Barium enema

Causes

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

Treatment

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.

Doctors and Providers

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