What it means
Soiling after the age when toilet training is expected. Most often it comes from long-lasting constipationkon-stih-PAY-shunBowel movements that happen less often than usual, with hard, dry stool that is difficult to pass.Full entry : hard stool builds up in the rectum, the rectum stretches and loses feeling, and liquid stool leaks around the blockage without the child noticing. Stress and avoiding school toilets can play a part.
For the nurse
Teach families that the child is not soiling on purpose and should not be punished. Treatment usually starts with clearing out the bowel, then a daily softener, regular toilet sitting for 5 to 10 minutes after meals, more fiber and fluids, and praise for progress.
Easy to confuse with
enuresis
Repeated passing of urine without control, usually in bed at night, in a child old enough to be expected to stay dry.
Related terms
constipation
Bowel movements that happen less often than usual, with hard, dry stool that is difficult to pass.
enuresis
Repeated passing of urine without control, usually in bed at night, in a child old enough to be expected to stay dry.