Moczenie kałowe
Rokowania, prognozy i postęp choroby

Moczenie kałowe (enkopreza) dotyczy 1-4% dzieci po 4. roku życia, częściej chłopców, i charakteryzuje się mimowolnym oddawaniem stolca mimo zakończonego treningu toaletowego. Rokowanie zależy od etiologii, z typem zaparciowym (retentive encopresis) wykazującym lepsze wyniki terapeutyczne, choć nawroty są częste. Po 6-12 miesiącach od zakończenia terapii tylko około 50% dzieci pozostaje bez leków przeczyszczających. Leczenie może trwać od kilku miesięcy do roku, aż do normalizacji rozmiaru jelita grubego i funkcji nerwów okrężnicy. W przypadku niezaparciowego moczenia kałowego (non-retentive encopresis) długoterminowe wyniki są gorsze – po 2 latach terapii tylko 29% dzieci miało mniej niż jeden epizod nietrzymania stolca na 2 tygodnie, a 15% utrzymywało problem do 18. roku życia. Wrodzone wady anorektalne i choroba Hirschsprunga wpływają na rokowanie, które zależy od budowy kości krzyżowej, funkcji mięśni zwieracza oraz typu malformacji. U pacjentów po operacji choroby Hirschsprunga czynniki takie jak wcześniejsze operacje (OR=22,89), subtotalna (OR=3,39) i całkowita kolektomia (OR=11,60) oraz rodzaj zespolenia wpływają na ryzyko pooperacyjnego moczenia kałowego.

Prognozy dla dzieci z moczeniem kałowym

Moczenie kałowe (enkopreza) to stan, w którym dzieci po ukończeniu 4 roku życia i zakończeniu treningu toaletowego nadal oddają stolec w bieliznę. Jest to problem dotykający 1-4% dzieci w wieku 4 lat, przy czym częstość występowania maleje wraz z wiekiem. Zaburzenie to występuje częściej u chłopców niż u dziewczynek.1 Rokowanie dla dzieci z moczeniem kałowym jest zróżnicowane i zależy od wielu czynników, w tym przyczyny problemu, zastosowanego leczenia oraz współistniejących stanów medycznych.

Prognozy w zaparciowym moczeniu kałowym

Większość dzieci leczonych z powodu moczenia kałowego typu zaparciowego (retentive encopresis) ostatecznie osiąga wyleczenie, choć czas trwania terapii jest zmienny, a nawroty częste. Przegląd systematyczny wykazał, że tylko połowa dzieci z zaparciami obserwowanych przez 6-12 miesięcy po zakończeniu terapii funkcjonowała dobrze bez leków przeczyszczających. Leczenie należy wznowić, jeśli zaparcia lub nietrzymanie stolca powracają.2

Czynnikami prognostycznymi dla utrzymywania się objawów są wczesny wiek wystąpienia zaparć i obciążenie rodzinne w tym kierunku.3 Warto zaznaczyć, że leczenie może potrwać od kilku miesięcy do roku, zanim rozciągnięte jelito grube powróci do swojego normalnego rozmiaru, a nerwy w okrężnicy staną się ponownie efektywne.4

Prognozy w niezaparciowym moczeniu kałowym

Istnieje niewiele danych na temat długoterminowych wyników u dzieci z niezaparciowym moczeniem kałowym (non-retentive encopresis). W jednym badaniu, w którym dzieci z tym typem moczenia kałowego były obserwowane przez dziesięć lat, tylko 29% dzieci miało mniej niż jeden epizod nietrzymania stolca w ciągu dwóch tygodni po dwóch latach terapii medycznej i behawioralnej. W wieku 18 lat, 15% dzieci weszło w dorosłość z problemem nietrzymania stolca. W tym badaniu nie znaleziono czynników prognostycznych sukcesu terapeutycznego.5

Czynniki wpływające na rokowanie

Rokowanie może być różne w zależności od przyczyny moczenia kałowego. U dzieci z wrodzonymi wadami jak choroba Hirschsprunga czy malformacje anorektalne, lekarze są zwykle w stanie dość dokładnie przewidzieć potencjał kontroli wypróżnień.6

Czynniki wskazujące na dobre rokowanie dotyczące przyszłej kontroli wypróżnień obejmują:

  • Prawidłową budowę kości krzyżowej (duża trójkątna kość u podstawy kręgosłupa)
  • Dobrze funkcjonujące mięśnie zwieracza
  • Typy malformacji anorektanych, takie jak: atresia odbytnicy, przetoka odbytniczo-krokowa, zarośnięcie odbytu bez przetoki, małe wady typu kloaka i przetoka odbytniczo-cewkowa opuszkowa
  • Dobry rytm wypróżnień, 1-2 dobrze uformowane stolce dziennie
  • Dowody na odczuwanie podczas oddawania stolca (zdolność do parcia)

7

Z kolei czynniki wskazujące na słabe rokowanie obejmują:

  • Nieprawidłową budowę kości krzyżowej
  • Słabo funkcjonujące mięśnie zwieracza
  • Typy malformacji anorektanych, w tym przetoka odbytniczo-szyjkowa pęcherza, przetoka odbytniczo-sterczowa, większe wady typu kloaka, złożone malformacje
  • Ciągłe wydalanie stolca
  • Brak odczuwania (brak parcia)
  • Nietrzymanie moczu, wykapywanie moczu

8

Przewidywanie ryzyka moczenia kałowego po operacjach

W przypadku pacjentów z chorobą Hirschsprunga poddawanych zabiegom chirurgicznym, opracowano nomogram do przewidywania prawdopodobieństwa pooperacyjnego moczenia kałowego. Badanie to stanowi pierwsze próby opracowania i walidacji modelu zdolnego do przewidywania pooperacyjnego ryzyka moczenia kałowego u pacjentów w wieku powyżej 1 roku operowanych z powodu choroby Hirschsprunga.9

Wśród niezależnych czynników predykcyjnych dla moczenia kałowego po operacji zidentyfikowano:

  • Wcześniejszą historię operacji (OR=22,89)
  • Subtotalną kolektomię (OR=3,39)
  • Całkowitą kolektomię (OR=11,60)
  • Rodzaj zespolenia (zespolenie Rehbeina, zespolenie w kształcie serca, inne metody)

10

Opracowany model predykcyjny będzie cenny w identyfikacji i stratyfikacji pacjentów po leczeniu operacyjnym.11

Skuteczność leczenia i długoterminowe wyniki

Przy odpowiednim leczeniu, większość dzieci z moczeniem kałowym osiąga poprawę, a ostatecznie wyleczenie. Czas leczenia może się znacznie różnić w zależności od dziecka i okoliczności. Niemal wszystkie dzieci z enkoprezą przestają brudzić bieliznę przed osiągnięciem wieku nastoletniego.12

Leczenie moczenia kałowego jest zazwyczaj długotrwałe, a jego celem jest ustanowienie regularnych wypróżnień. Osiągnięcie tego celu może zająć kilka miesięcy. Ważne jest, aby rodzice zachowali cierpliwość, gdy dziecko oswaja się z korzystaniem z toalety.13

Choć pierwsze efekty leczenia mogą być widoczne dość szybko, zwykle potrzeba miesięcy, aby dziecko całkowicie przezwyciężyło enkorprezę. W trakcie leczenia będą zdarzać się wypadki. Rodzice muszą spokojnie reagować na takie incydenty i nadal wspierać dziecko. Większość dzieci, które otrzymują leczenie z powodu moczenia kałowego, ostatecznie uwalnia się od zaparć i przestaje mieć wypadki wraz z dorastaniem.14

Nawroty i wyzwania w terapii

Należy pamiętać, że nawroty są normalne, więc nie powinno to zniechęcać rodziców ani dzieci. Dziecko może ponownie zaparć się lub zabrudzić bieliznę podczas leczenia, szczególnie w okresie odstawiania leków zmiękczających stolec.15

Moczenie kałowe może ulec pogorszeniu, zanim nastąpi poprawa, zwłaszcza na początku leczenia.16 Dopóki odbytnica nie odzyska prawidłowego napięcia mięśniowego, dzieci mogą nadal brudzić bieliznę.17

Długoterminowy sukces zależy od konsekwentnego przestrzegania planu leczenia. Bardzo ważne jest opracowanie rutyny i trzymanie się jej.18 W wielu przypadkach pozytywne wzmocnienie pomaga zachęcić dziecko do kontynuowania leczenia.19

Specjalne przypadki rokowania

W przypadku dzieci urodzonych z wadami anorektalnymi lub chorobą Hirschsprunga, warto zauważyć, że nawet przy dobrym rokowaniu dotyczącym kontroli wypróżnień, większość dzieci, które przeszły operację korekcyjną, będzie potrzebować pewnego rodzaju systematycznej interwencji dietetycznej lub medycznej, aby zapobiec zaparciom lub prawdziwemu nietrzymaniu stolca. Dobra wiadomość jest taka, że gdy można ustanowić dobrą kontrolę wypróżnień, dzieci te mogą prowadzić pewne siebie, niezależne życie.20

Gdy moczenie kałowe jest związane z problemami psychologicznymi lub emocjonalnymi, leczenie może trwać dłużej.21 Dzieci z problemami emocjonalnymi lub behawioralnymi mogą mieć trudności z moczeniem kałowym, co może wymagać dodatkowego wsparcia i interwencji.22

Podsumowanie rokowania

Moczenie kałowe (enkopreza) jest bardzo powszechnym problemem, który przy odpowiednim leczeniu ma zazwyczaj dobre rokowanie. Większość dzieci z tym zaburzeniem albo wyrasta z problemu, albo reaguje na leczenie, które może obejmować zmiany w diecie, leki i terapię motywacyjną.23

Ważne jest, aby pamiętać, że moczenie kałowe nie jest problemem behawioralnym ani po prostu brakiem samokontroli. Karanie lub upokarzanie dziecka z enkoprezą tylko pogorszy sytuację.24 Podejście wspierające i cierpliwość są kluczowe dla pomyślnego leczenia.

Z odpowiednią opieką medyczną i wsparciem, większość dzieci z moczeniem kałowym może rozwinąć kontrolę nad wypróżnieniami i prowadzić normalne życie.25 Choć droga do pełnej kontroli może być długa i pełna wyzwań, ostateczne wyniki są zazwyczaj pozytywne.

Kolejne rozdziały

Zapraszamy do dalszego czytania naszego leksykonu.

Wybierz kolejny rozdział z menu poniżej, aby otworzyć nową podstronę kompedium wiedzy i uzyskać szczegółowe informację o leku, substancji lub chorobie.

  1. 10.04.2026
  2. www.leksykon.com.pl

Materiały źródłowe

  • #1 Encopresis Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17849-encopresis-soiling
    Encopresis, also known as functional fecal incontinence or soiling, is when children pass stool (poop) into their underwear, in most cases accidentally. It occurs in children 4 years of age and older who have been toilet trained. The condition is more common in boys than girls. It affects 1% to 4% of children who are 4 years old, and the frequency of this condition decreases with older age. […] Treatment is long-term with the goal of creating regular bowel movements for your child. It could take several months to achieve this goal. Have patience with your child as they become more comfortable using the toilet. […] While you might see some progress early in treatment, it usually takes months for your child to overcome encopresis. There will be accidents along the way. Parents must keep their reactions to accidents low-key and continue to support the child. Most children who receive treatment for encopresis eventually are free from constipation and become accident-free as they grow older.
  • #2 Encopresis – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560560/
    Most children treated for retentive encopresis are eventually cured, although the time required for treatment varies, and relapses are frequent. A systematic review found that only half of all children with constipation followed for 6 to 12 months after therapy did well without laxatives. Treatment needs to resume if constipation or fecal incontinence recurs. Early age of onset of constipation and family history were predictive of the persistence of symptoms.[34] […] On the other hand, there is little evidence about the long-term outcome in children with non-retentive encopresis. In one study where children with non-retentive encopresis were followed for ten years, only 29% of children were having less than one episode of fecal incontinence in two weeks after two years of medical and behavioral therapy. At the age of 18 years, 15% of children progressed to adulthood with fecal incontinence. No prognostic factors for success were found in this study.[34]
  • #3 Encopresis – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560560/
    Most children treated for retentive encopresis are eventually cured, although the time required for treatment varies, and relapses are frequent. A systematic review found that only half of all children with constipation followed for 6 to 12 months after therapy did well without laxatives. Treatment needs to resume if constipation or fecal incontinence recurs. Early age of onset of constipation and family history were predictive of the persistence of symptoms.[34] […] On the other hand, there is little evidence about the long-term outcome in children with non-retentive encopresis. In one study where children with non-retentive encopresis were followed for ten years, only 29% of children were having less than one episode of fecal incontinence in two weeks after two years of medical and behavioral therapy. At the age of 18 years, 15% of children progressed to adulthood with fecal incontinence. No prognostic factors for success were found in this study.[34]
  • #4 Soiling (Encopresis) (for Parents) | Nemours KidsHealth
    https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/encopresis.html
    Patience is the key to treating encopresis. It can take several months to a year for the stretched-out colon to return to its normal size and for the nerves in the colon to become effective again. […] Successful treatment of encopresis depends on the support a child gets. Some parents find that positive reinforcement helps to encourage the child throughout treatment.
  • #5 Encopresis – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560560/
    Most children treated for retentive encopresis are eventually cured, although the time required for treatment varies, and relapses are frequent. A systematic review found that only half of all children with constipation followed for 6 to 12 months after therapy did well without laxatives. Treatment needs to resume if constipation or fecal incontinence recurs. Early age of onset of constipation and family history were predictive of the persistence of symptoms.[34] […] On the other hand, there is little evidence about the long-term outcome in children with non-retentive encopresis. In one study where children with non-retentive encopresis were followed for ten years, only 29% of children were having less than one episode of fecal incontinence in two weeks after two years of medical and behavioral therapy. At the age of 18 years, 15% of children progressed to adulthood with fecal incontinence. No prognostic factors for success were found in this study.[34]
  • #6 Fecal Incontinence (Soiling): Causes, Treatment and Prognosis | Nationwide Children’s Hospital
    https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/conditions/fecal-incontinence
    Fecal incontinence (accidentally having bowel movements) is a very common problem. With treatment, most children can develop bowel control and live normal lives. […] Fecal incontinence can be caused by medical conditions like chronic constipation or congenital conditions that may disrupt bowel control, including: spina bifida, anorectal malformations and Hirschsprung disease. […] Children with true fecal incontinence lack the ability to voluntarily have a bowel movement, so they require daily interventions to empty the colon of stool. […] Physicians are usually able to predict which children with these issues will go on to have fecal incontinence so that parents can set expectations for potty training. […] For children born with anorectal defects or Hirschsprung disease, doctors are able to predict the potential for bowel control fairly accurately.
  • #7 Fecal Incontinence (Soiling): Causes, Treatment and Prognosis | Nationwide Children’s Hospital
    https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/conditions/fecal-incontinence
    Factors that indicate good prognosis for future bowel control: Normal sacrum (the large triangular bone at the base of the spine), Good sphincter muscles, Anorectal malformation types of rectal atresia, rectoperineal fistula, imperforate anus without fistula, small cloacas and rectourethral bulbar fistula, Good bowel movement pattern, of 1-2 well formed bowel movements per day, Evidence of sensation when passing stool (ability to push). […] Factors that indicate a poor prognosis for future bowel control: Abnormal sacrum, Poor sphincter muscles, Anorectal malformation types including rectobladderneck fistula, rectoprostatic fistula, larger cloacas, complex malformations, Constant passing of stool, No sensation (no pushing), Urinary incontinence, dribbling of urine. […] Whether the prognosis for bowel control is considered good or poor, its important to note that most children who have undergone surgery to correct anorectal malformations or Hirshsprung disease will need some type of consistent dietary or medical intervention to prevent constipation or true fecal incontinence. The good news is that when good bowel control can be established, these kids can go on to live confident, independent lives.
  • #8 Fecal Incontinence (Soiling): Causes, Treatment and Prognosis | Nationwide Children’s Hospital
    https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/conditions/fecal-incontinence
    Factors that indicate good prognosis for future bowel control: Normal sacrum (the large triangular bone at the base of the spine), Good sphincter muscles, Anorectal malformation types of rectal atresia, rectoperineal fistula, imperforate anus without fistula, small cloacas and rectourethral bulbar fistula, Good bowel movement pattern, of 1-2 well formed bowel movements per day, Evidence of sensation when passing stool (ability to push). […] Factors that indicate a poor prognosis for future bowel control: Abnormal sacrum, Poor sphincter muscles, Anorectal malformation types including rectobladderneck fistula, rectoprostatic fistula, larger cloacas, complex malformations, Constant passing of stool, No sensation (no pushing), Urinary incontinence, dribbling of urine. […] Whether the prognosis for bowel control is considered good or poor, its important to note that most children who have undergone surgery to correct anorectal malformations or Hirshsprung disease will need some type of consistent dietary or medical intervention to prevent constipation or true fecal incontinence. The good news is that when good bowel control can be established, these kids can go on to live confident, independent lives.
  • #9
    https://journals.lww.com/international-journal-of-surgery/fulltext/2024/03000/nomogram_for_soiling_prediction_in_postsurgery.34.aspx
    The aim of this study was to develop a nomogram for predicting the probability of postoperative soiling in patients aged greater than 1 year operated for Hirschsprung disease (HSCR). […] This study represents the first efforts to develop and validate a model capable of predicting the postoperative risk of soiling in patients aged greater than 1 year operated for HSCR. […] Soiling, characterized by the involuntary leakage of stool that requires a change of underwear or diapers, is a prevalent complication following the surgery of HSCR. […] The currently available reports on the prevalence of soiling following the surgery for HSCR vary widely. […] In theory, the incidence of postoperative soiling should be low for HSCR patients undergoing surgical procedures, as patients are born with a fully developed anal anatomy, including intact sensation and functional voluntary sphincters.
  • #10
    https://journals.lww.com/international-journal-of-surgery/fulltext/2024/03000/nomogram_for_soiling_prediction_in_postsurgery.34.aspx
    At present, the precise mechanism underlying soiling in patients with HSCR remains incompletely understood, although it may be related to several factors, such as abnormal anal canal sensation, inadequate sphincter control, and the degree of bowel dysmotility. […] This study is the first to establish and validate a model for predicting the risk of soiling in patients with HSCR following surgical therapy beyond the age of 1 year. […] We proposed that this nomogram be readily accessible to clinicians, enabling them to easily estimate the risk of soiling in their patients. […] The results demonstrated that surgical history 1 (OR=22.89, 95% CI: 11.2149.08, P0.001), subtotal colectomy (OR=3.39, 95% CI: 1.607.45, P=0.002), total colectomy (OR=11.60, 95% CI: 3.3042.78, P0.001), Rehbein anastomosis (OR=0.27, 95% CI: 0.090.77, P=0.017), HeartShaped anastomosis (OR=0.33, 95% CI: 0.140.74, P=0.008), other anastomosis (OR=0.03, 95% CI: 0.0010.37, P=0.011) were independent predictors for soiling in HSCR following surgery over 1 year of age. […] The developed predictive model will be valuable in identification and stratification of patients following operative management.
  • #11
    https://journals.lww.com/international-journal-of-surgery/fulltext/2024/03000/nomogram_for_soiling_prediction_in_postsurgery.34.aspx
    At present, the precise mechanism underlying soiling in patients with HSCR remains incompletely understood, although it may be related to several factors, such as abnormal anal canal sensation, inadequate sphincter control, and the degree of bowel dysmotility. […] This study is the first to establish and validate a model for predicting the risk of soiling in patients with HSCR following surgical therapy beyond the age of 1 year. […] We proposed that this nomogram be readily accessible to clinicians, enabling them to easily estimate the risk of soiling in their patients. […] The results demonstrated that surgical history 1 (OR=22.89, 95% CI: 11.2149.08, P0.001), subtotal colectomy (OR=3.39, 95% CI: 1.607.45, P=0.002), total colectomy (OR=11.60, 95% CI: 3.3042.78, P0.001), Rehbein anastomosis (OR=0.27, 95% CI: 0.090.77, P=0.017), HeartShaped anastomosis (OR=0.33, 95% CI: 0.140.74, P=0.008), other anastomosis (OR=0.03, 95% CI: 0.0010.37, P=0.011) were independent predictors for soiling in HSCR following surgery over 1 year of age. […] The developed predictive model will be valuable in identification and stratification of patients following operative management.
  • #12 Encopresis (Fecal Soiling) – Harvard Health
    https://www.health.harvard.edu/a_to_z/encopresis-fecal-soiling-a-to-z
    Encopresis is when a child who is toilet trained passes stool (bowel movements) into his or her underwear. […] In most children, encopresis is related to chronic constipation. […] No matter what the initial cause of a child’s chronic constipation, the end result is the same. A large chunk of stool builds up and stretches the rectum until it loses its normal tone and feeling. This makes it more difficult for the rectum to push out the stool. So, more and more stool builds up. […] With treatment, most children will recover from encopresis. The length of treatment varies greatly depending on the child and the circumstances. Almost all children with encopresis stop soiling by the time they reach their mid-teen years. […] Most children with encopresis either outgrow the problem or respond to treatment. Treatment may involve changes in diet, medication and motivational therapy. […] When encopresis is related to psychological or emotional problems, treatment may take longer.
  • #13 Encopresis Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17849-encopresis-soiling
    Encopresis, also known as functional fecal incontinence or soiling, is when children pass stool (poop) into their underwear, in most cases accidentally. It occurs in children 4 years of age and older who have been toilet trained. The condition is more common in boys than girls. It affects 1% to 4% of children who are 4 years old, and the frequency of this condition decreases with older age. […] Treatment is long-term with the goal of creating regular bowel movements for your child. It could take several months to achieve this goal. Have patience with your child as they become more comfortable using the toilet. […] While you might see some progress early in treatment, it usually takes months for your child to overcome encopresis. There will be accidents along the way. Parents must keep their reactions to accidents low-key and continue to support the child. Most children who receive treatment for encopresis eventually are free from constipation and become accident-free as they grow older.
  • #14 Encopresis Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17849-encopresis-soiling
    Encopresis, also known as functional fecal incontinence or soiling, is when children pass stool (poop) into their underwear, in most cases accidentally. It occurs in children 4 years of age and older who have been toilet trained. The condition is more common in boys than girls. It affects 1% to 4% of children who are 4 years old, and the frequency of this condition decreases with older age. […] Treatment is long-term with the goal of creating regular bowel movements for your child. It could take several months to achieve this goal. Have patience with your child as they become more comfortable using the toilet. […] While you might see some progress early in treatment, it usually takes months for your child to overcome encopresis. There will be accidents along the way. Parents must keep their reactions to accidents low-key and continue to support the child. Most children who receive treatment for encopresis eventually are free from constipation and become accident-free as they grow older.
  • #15 Soiling (Encopresis) (for Parents) | Nemours KidsHealth
    https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/encopresis.html
    If your child has bowel movements (BMs) in places other than the toilet, you know how frustrating it can be. […] But many kids beyond the age of toilet teaching (generally older than 4 years) who soil their underwear have a condition known as encopresis (en-kah-PREE-sis). […] Encopresis isn’t a disease. It’s a symptom that may have different causes. […] Soiling and constipation are a top reason that kids go to see pediatric gastroenterologists (doctors who diagnose and treat disorders of the stomach and intestines). […] Encopresis is not a behavioral issue or a simple lack of self-control. Punishing or humiliating a child with encopresis will only make matters worse. […] Keep in mind that relapses are normal, so don’t get discouraged. Your child might get constipated again or soil their pants during treatment, especially when being weaned off of the stool softeners.
  • #16 Soiling (child pooing their pants)
    https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/soiling-child-pooing-their-pants/
    Soiling is when a child regularly poos their pants. If they’re already potty-trained, the soiling is usually because they are badly constipated. Treatment from a GP can help. […] If your child is pooing their pants (soiling) because they’re constipated, a GP can prescribe laxatives to clear out the hard poo and get your child pooing regularly and comfortably again. […] The soiling may get worse before it gets better. […] A GP may refer your child to a specialist for treatment if they think soiling could be caused by another medical condition.
  • #17 Encopresis in Children | Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment
    https://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/health/e/encopresis
    Your child’s doctor or nurse practitioner will often order medications to help keep your child’s bowel movements soft. […] Diets high in fiber usually help, but sometimes can worsen constipation if your child does not drink enough water with a high-fiber diet. […] Until the lower colon regains muscle tone, children may still soil.
  • #18 Encopresis in Children | Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment
    https://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/health/e/encopresis
    Children with encopresis, also called soiling, have bowel movements or leak a small amount of stool in their underclothes or on themselves. Soiling is very common, occurring in at least two out of 100 children. […] Soiling is often the result of constipation. […] When children hold in their poop, the lower colon fills up. Over time this can stretch the lower colon out of its normal shape. […] Children who have emotional or behavioral issues can have trouble with soiling. […] Some children will hold their poop in for many days then pass a very large, hard stool. […] Treatment for soiling will be guided by your child’s healthcare team with your and your child’s input. […] It is very important that you develop a routine and stick to it. Long-term success depends on how well you can follow the care plan.
  • #19 Soiling (Encopresis) (for Parents) | Nemours KidsHealth
    https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/encopresis.html
    Patience is the key to treating encopresis. It can take several months to a year for the stretched-out colon to return to its normal size and for the nerves in the colon to become effective again. […] Successful treatment of encopresis depends on the support a child gets. Some parents find that positive reinforcement helps to encourage the child throughout treatment.
  • #20 Fecal Incontinence (Soiling): Causes, Treatment and Prognosis | Nationwide Children’s Hospital
    https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/conditions/fecal-incontinence
    Factors that indicate good prognosis for future bowel control: Normal sacrum (the large triangular bone at the base of the spine), Good sphincter muscles, Anorectal malformation types of rectal atresia, rectoperineal fistula, imperforate anus without fistula, small cloacas and rectourethral bulbar fistula, Good bowel movement pattern, of 1-2 well formed bowel movements per day, Evidence of sensation when passing stool (ability to push). […] Factors that indicate a poor prognosis for future bowel control: Abnormal sacrum, Poor sphincter muscles, Anorectal malformation types including rectobladderneck fistula, rectoprostatic fistula, larger cloacas, complex malformations, Constant passing of stool, No sensation (no pushing), Urinary incontinence, dribbling of urine. […] Whether the prognosis for bowel control is considered good or poor, its important to note that most children who have undergone surgery to correct anorectal malformations or Hirshsprung disease will need some type of consistent dietary or medical intervention to prevent constipation or true fecal incontinence. The good news is that when good bowel control can be established, these kids can go on to live confident, independent lives.
  • #21 Encopresis (Fecal Soiling) – Harvard Health
    https://www.health.harvard.edu/a_to_z/encopresis-fecal-soiling-a-to-z
    Encopresis is when a child who is toilet trained passes stool (bowel movements) into his or her underwear. […] In most children, encopresis is related to chronic constipation. […] No matter what the initial cause of a child’s chronic constipation, the end result is the same. A large chunk of stool builds up and stretches the rectum until it loses its normal tone and feeling. This makes it more difficult for the rectum to push out the stool. So, more and more stool builds up. […] With treatment, most children will recover from encopresis. The length of treatment varies greatly depending on the child and the circumstances. Almost all children with encopresis stop soiling by the time they reach their mid-teen years. […] Most children with encopresis either outgrow the problem or respond to treatment. Treatment may involve changes in diet, medication and motivational therapy. […] When encopresis is related to psychological or emotional problems, treatment may take longer.
  • #22 Encopresis in Children | Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment
    https://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/health/e/encopresis
    Children with encopresis, also called soiling, have bowel movements or leak a small amount of stool in their underclothes or on themselves. Soiling is very common, occurring in at least two out of 100 children. […] Soiling is often the result of constipation. […] When children hold in their poop, the lower colon fills up. Over time this can stretch the lower colon out of its normal shape. […] Children who have emotional or behavioral issues can have trouble with soiling. […] Some children will hold their poop in for many days then pass a very large, hard stool. […] Treatment for soiling will be guided by your child’s healthcare team with your and your child’s input. […] It is very important that you develop a routine and stick to it. Long-term success depends on how well you can follow the care plan.
  • #23 Encopresis (Fecal Soiling) – Harvard Health
    https://www.health.harvard.edu/a_to_z/encopresis-fecal-soiling-a-to-z
    Encopresis is when a child who is toilet trained passes stool (bowel movements) into his or her underwear. […] In most children, encopresis is related to chronic constipation. […] No matter what the initial cause of a child’s chronic constipation, the end result is the same. A large chunk of stool builds up and stretches the rectum until it loses its normal tone and feeling. This makes it more difficult for the rectum to push out the stool. So, more and more stool builds up. […] With treatment, most children will recover from encopresis. The length of treatment varies greatly depending on the child and the circumstances. Almost all children with encopresis stop soiling by the time they reach their mid-teen years. […] Most children with encopresis either outgrow the problem or respond to treatment. Treatment may involve changes in diet, medication and motivational therapy. […] When encopresis is related to psychological or emotional problems, treatment may take longer.
  • #24 Soiling (Encopresis) (for Parents) | Nemours KidsHealth
    https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/encopresis.html
    If your child has bowel movements (BMs) in places other than the toilet, you know how frustrating it can be. […] But many kids beyond the age of toilet teaching (generally older than 4 years) who soil their underwear have a condition known as encopresis (en-kah-PREE-sis). […] Encopresis isn’t a disease. It’s a symptom that may have different causes. […] Soiling and constipation are a top reason that kids go to see pediatric gastroenterologists (doctors who diagnose and treat disorders of the stomach and intestines). […] Encopresis is not a behavioral issue or a simple lack of self-control. Punishing or humiliating a child with encopresis will only make matters worse. […] Keep in mind that relapses are normal, so don’t get discouraged. Your child might get constipated again or soil their pants during treatment, especially when being weaned off of the stool softeners.
  • #25 Fecal Incontinence (Soiling): Causes, Treatment and Prognosis | Nationwide Children’s Hospital
    https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/conditions/fecal-incontinence
    Fecal incontinence (accidentally having bowel movements) is a very common problem. With treatment, most children can develop bowel control and live normal lives. […] Fecal incontinence can be caused by medical conditions like chronic constipation or congenital conditions that may disrupt bowel control, including: spina bifida, anorectal malformations and Hirschsprung disease. […] Children with true fecal incontinence lack the ability to voluntarily have a bowel movement, so they require daily interventions to empty the colon of stool. […] Physicians are usually able to predict which children with these issues will go on to have fecal incontinence so that parents can set expectations for potty training. […] For children born with anorectal defects or Hirschsprung disease, doctors are able to predict the potential for bowel control fairly accurately.