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Encopresis

Definition

Encopresis is the voluntary or involuntary passage of stools in a child who has been toilet trained (typically over age 4), which causes the soiling of clothes.

See also: Bowel incontinence

Symptoms

  • Inability to retain feces (bowel incontinence)
  • Passing stool in inappropriate places (generally in the child's clothes)
  • Secretive behavior associated with bowel movements
  • Constipation and hard stools
  • Occasional passage of very large stool that almost blocks up the toilet
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