Does My Child Have Encopresis?

Does your child repeatedly place feces into inappropriate places (e.g., clothing, floor), whether involuntary or intentional?

Does at least one such event occur each month for at least 3 months?

Is your child’s chronological age at least 4 years?

Can you confirm that the behavior is not attributable to the effects of a substance (e.g., laxatives) or another medical condition?

Based on your answers, it is unlikely that your child has encopresis.

While it is unlikely that your child has encopresis, you child is displaying some signs related to it. Encopresis happens mainly when stool collects in the colon and rectum. The colon becomes too full and stool will leak. Stool retention can cause loss of control over bowel. Encopresis can be embarrassing for the child. The good news is that treatment usually works very well to get rid of the condition. It is essential to get in touch with your doctor if your child is already toilet trained but starts to show symptoms related to encopresis.

Unfortunately, your child is displaying symptoms typically seen among individuals who have encopresis. Your child may be embarrassed and angry about the disorder, and he may even be teased by classmates. It is important to seek help as soon as possible. To make a diagnosis, your doctor may conduct a physical exam and ask about your child’s symptoms. Besides, he may do a rectal exam or a abdominal X-ray. In case emotions are triggering the disorder, also a psychological evaluation may be done. As a parent you can avoid constipation by giving your child a healthy diet with plenty of fiber and water. The earlier you seek treatment, the better.