My Child Holds or Leaks the Poop: What is Encopresis?
🎯 "My child does not want to go to the toilet, there is always poop in his underwear. Is he doing this on purpose?"
This situation leaves many parents helpless. Involuntary fecal leakage in children, medically known as encopresis, is often misunderstood and can be mistaken for a behavioral problem. However, it is often a condition that develops due to constipation and can be completely resolved with the right approach.
📌 What is Encopresis?
Encopresis is a condition in which the child involuntarily leaks poop even after the age of 4. This situation:
• It usually occurs after long-term constipation.
• In some children, it is associated with psychological stress or behavioral factors
• In rare cases, it may be due to neurological or structural problems.
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Types of Encopresis:
🧪 What are the Causes of Encopresis?
✅ 1. Chronic constipation
• Stool stays in the intestine for a long time and hardens
• The child begins to hold in his/her poop
• Over time, the intestinal wall expands and the feeling of defecation decreases.
• Soft stool passing around the hard stool leaks involuntarily.
✅ 2. Toilet habit problems
• Don't be afraid to go to the toilet
• Not wanting to use the toilet at school or outside
• Stubborn behavior or carelessness
✅ 3. Psychological factors
• Stress, trauma, birth of a sibling, family problems
• Emotionally suppressed reactions may occur with fecal retention
✅ 4. Rare organic causes
• Spina bifida, structural disorders in the anal area
• Neurological diseases (very rare)
👨⚕️ When to Consult a Doctor?
• Poop incontinence at least once a week in a child over the age of 4
• Persistent constipation and poop retention behavior
• Poop incontinence along with urinary incontinence.
• Abdominal pain, loss of appetite, restlessness
• Feeling that there is still stool left after defecation
📌 If you have these symptoms, you should definitely be evaluated by a pediatrician.
🩺 How to Diagnose?
Diagnosis is usually made by history and physical examination. If necessary:
• Abdominal x-ray (for rectal fullness)
• Routine blood and stool tests
• In rare cases, neurological examinations
💊 How is Treatment Done?
Treatment is a gradual process that requires patience:
1. Intestinal cleansing
• Short-term laxatives are used if necessary
• The aim is to completely evacuate the accumulated feces.
2. Anti-constipation diet and habits
• Consuming plenty of water
• Diet rich in fiber (vegetables, fruits, whole grains)
• Establishing regular toilet habits (especially after meals)
3. Psychological support and behavioral approach
• Accusatory or punitive attitudes should be avoided
• Achievements should be rewarded
• If necessary, child psychologist support should be obtained.
📌 Suggestions for Families
✅ Be understanding with your child — he/she is not doing this on purpose
✅ Create a toilet routine
✅ Support their success with small rewards
✅ Pay attention to nutrition to prevent constipation
✅ Get guidance from your pediatrician if necessary
📌 Result
Breast/poop incontinence is often misunderstood and punished. However, this condition is a medical problem that usually develops due to constipation and can be completely corrected with early intervention.
If this situation persists in your child, getting support without delay will make a big difference for both the child and the family.
🩺 I would be happy to welcome you to my clinic for a detailed evaluation and solution-oriented approach to poop incontinence and constipation problems in children in Izmir.
