Encopresis overview
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Encopresis, from the Greek κοπρος (kopros, dung) is involuntary “fecal soiling” in children who have usually already been toilet trained. Children with encopresis often leak stool into their underwear.
Epidemiology and Demographics
The estimated prevalence of encopresis in 5-year-olds is ~1-3%. The disorder is thought to be more common in males than females, by a factor of 3 to 1.
Diagnosis
Abdominal X Ray
An abdominal x-ray may confirm impacted stool in the colon.
Treatment
Primary Prevention
Because the causes often are obscure, prevention is difficult. As a general rule, refrain from toilet training that is too early and too coercive.
References
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