More than 80% of children with encopresis
have experienced constipation or painful defecation in
the
past. In many cases, constipation or pain occurred
years before the encopresis is brought to medical attention.
• Most children with encopresis say they have no urge
to pass a bowel movement before they soil their underwear.
• Soiling episodes usually occur during the
day, while the child is awake and active. Many school
age children soil late in the afternoon after returning
home from school. Soiling at night is uncommon.
• In many children with encopresis, the colon has become
stretched out of shape, so they may intermittently pass
extremely large bowel movements.
