Sometimes a child who seems to be toilet-trained leaks runny stool into their pants. This is called encopresis (say "en-koh-PREE-sus"). It can start when a child does not have regular bowel movements and the stool becomes thick and hard to pass (constipation). There are many reasons for this. A child may be nervous about using the toilet (especially in public places, such as school). A child who once had a bowel movement that hurt may try to hold stool in to avoid pain. A child may get constipated if their diet does not have enough fiber. Whatever the reason, new stool builds up behind the hard stool, and then some of it escapes. Your child may not be aware that the runny stool comes out until it soils their pants.
If the problem continues, your doctor may look for other causes. How often your child has a bowel movement is not as important as whether the child can pass stools easily. Your doctor may suggest that you give your child medicine to help soften the stool. You can take steps at home, such as making diet and activity changes, to end the constipation and leaky stool. After your child is no longer constipated, it may take some time for leaky stool to get better.
It's an embarrassing problem for children. More so if they are at school. Stay positive. This helps your child stay positive even when progress is slow.
Encopresis is a condition in which a child has poor control over bowel movements and may have accidents in his or her underwear.
The person may not even notice the soiling.
Encopresis is present if a child age 4 or older has involuntary bowel movements in inappropriate places at least once a month for 3 months or more.
Self-care helps your child take an active role. And giving your child some control can help improve self-esteem. Help your child learn what they can do to help. For example:
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
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