Encopresis and childhood soiling
Repeated bowel accidents can leave you unsure what to do, and a child may feel embarrassed or avoid talking about it. A medical conversation can help you understand what is happening and make daily life more comfortable.
Soiling often has a physical explanation.
Encopresis is a term used for repeated soiling beyond the expected stage of toilet training. Constipation is a common reason: softer stool can leak around stool that has become stuck.
A child may not realise leakage is happening. The cause needs medical assessment; soiling does not by itself establish a mental-health condition or deliberate misbehaviour.
Based on NHS · MedlinePlus / A.D.A.M. · National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Start with bowel health and comfort.
- Bowel pattern
Leakage, hard stools and discomfort
- Other symptoms
Changes that need medical attention
- Individual assessment
Possible causes explored by a clinician
- Support and review
Clear instructions and a dignified daily plan
Leakage can coexist with constipation.
Soiling can happen when softer stool passes around retained stool. A clinician needs to consider symptoms and other explanations; the appearance of leakage alone does not tell you which treatment is needed.
Comfort
Mention pain and difficulty passing stool.
Health changes
Describe illness or new symptoms to a clinician.
Dignity
Ask for discreet support at home and in education.
Based on NIDDK
Notice comfort and bowel patterns.
A few clear observations can help you explain the concern privately to a professional.
Leakage
Repeated stool leakage or marks in underwear.
Stool and pain
Hard or painful stools, or difficulty passing them.
Bowel pattern
Loose-looking leakage despite possible constipation.
Comfort and appetite
Tummy discomfort, appetite changes or avoiding the toilet.
Based on NHS · MedlinePlus / A.D.A.M. · National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Ask for a bowel-health assessment.
A healthcare professional can ask about toilet training, bowel movements, pain, other symptoms and how the problem affects the child. An examination and further checks may be appropriate.
Regular soiling should be discussed with a clinician. Describe what you have noticed without assuming constipation is the only possible explanation or trying to infer a psychiatric diagnosis.
Based on NHS · MedlinePlus / A.D.A.M.
- 1Comfort and timing
What is painful or difficult, and when do accidents happen?
- 2Medical questions
Could constipation or another physical concern be involved?
- 3Treatment and review
What are the instructions, expected changes and reasons to seek help sooner?
Follow a medical plan and make room for encouragement.
Ask which age-appropriate support fits, how the young person will be involved and who can help with the next step.
Based on NHS · National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Follow the child’s medical plan and ask about review.
Treatment may need continuing review. Ask what to expect and whom to contact if symptoms change. Do not start a bowel-clearing regimen or change medicines from this page. New severe symptoms need the medical help described above, rather than waiting to complete a record.
You deserve to understand your care.
A bowel accident deserves care and understanding, rather than punishment.
Understand the appointment
Find support. Prepare your next step.
Find care or prepare a conversation. You can ask for help before you have a diagnosis.
Your first sentence does not need to be perfect.
You can contact the child's healthcare professional with one recent example and any pain or other symptoms. Ask what to do next, when to return and who to contact if symptoms worsen.
Based on NHS · MedlinePlus / A.D.A.M.
“This child is having repeated bowel accidents. Can we assess the physical causes and make a treatment plan that supports their comfort and dignity?”Prepare for the appointment
Your questions, with room for nuance.
You can read just the answer you need.
Does soiling mean deliberate misbehaviour?
No. Physical causes, including constipation, need medical consideration. Punishment or a psychiatric label does not substitute for assessment.
Based on NIDDK
Where this information comes from.
Use this hub to learn and prepare questions. It does not diagnose you or recommend a personal treatment plan. By Selfmora editorial; sources checked . Updated .
Additional explanations and examples: sources consulted . Examples illustrate ideas; they do not assess your personal health. Your questions
- Soiling in children
- Encopresis: medical overview
- Constipation in children: symptoms and causes
- Constipation in children: treatment