What is the most common reason for encopresis in children?

The most common reason for encopresis in children is constipation. Encopresis, characterized by the involuntary passage of stool in children who are already toilet trained, often results from underlying constipation. When children experience constipation, they may develop a fear of having bowel movements due to discomfort, leading to a cycle where they avoid going to the bathroom. This can cause stool to become even harder and more difficult to pass, which exacerbates the situation.

Chronic constipation can lead to fecal impaction, where a large mass of stool obstructs the bowel, resulting in leakage of softer stool around the impacted mass. This overflow incontinence is what is clinically recognized as encopresis. Therefore, addressing the constipation effectively is crucial in managing encopresis and promoting regular bowel habits in children.

While dietary allergies, psychological issues, and infections can contribute to bowel issues in children, they are far less common causes of encopresis compared to the prevalence and impact of constipation.