Four Years old
In the United States, encopresis affects 1-2% of children under age 10
Encopresis can be either involuntary or voluntary
The best way to prevent encopresis is to prevent constipation
Voluntary encopresis is associated with behavioral or psychological problems
Constipation is present in about 80% of children who experience involuntary encopresis.
Involuntary encopresis is related to constipation, passing hard painful feces, and difficult bowel movements
Encopresis occurs most often when the child is awake, rather than at night
The American Psychiatric Association (APA) recognizes voluntary encopresis without constipation as a psychological disorder
Common signs and symptoms of encopresis in children include soiling their underwear, constipation, abdominal pain, and reluctance to use the bathroom. This condition typically presents between the ages of 4 and 7 years old.
Encopresis describes an occurrence, most commonly in children, which involves the involuntary release of the bowls, and therefore production of excrement of fecal matter.
Encopresis is the abnormal holding of feces whereby the child refuses to use the toilet. Usually aggressive medical intervention is need to alleviate the problem.
About 80% of cases are boys