Encopresis (Soiling): Note to School Staff
Name of Child: __________________________________________
Date: ____________________
This child occasionally has a problem with leakage of bowel
movements (BMs) into the underwear. The main cause of the problem
is constipation. With a medicine and diet program, bowel control
is now greatly improved. You can help this youngster in your
school setting in the following ways:
- Prevention
Please give the child permission to leave and use the restroom
at any time without seeking approval from the teacher,
playground supervisor, or lunchroom supervisor. (Note:
Encopresis commonly occurs during sports, gym, or other
physical activities.) Sometimes this child has very urgent
bowel movements and must go to the restroom without delay.
Please let this child come in from recess if necessary.
- Detection of soiling
If a member of the school staff feels that this youngster has
soiled himself (because of odor, etc.), please act rather than
ignoring the situation. Speak with the child in a private
setting and request him to change. Also ask him if he needs
any help. It is better to act on your observations than to
allow other children to detect the soiling and possibly
ridicule the child.
- Changing when soiled
The child's parents will bring you one set of clean underwear
and some wet wipes to keep at school in case of soiling.
Please give the child access to a bathroom where he can clean
up without being interrupted by other students. It is possible
that he may need some assistance with this. Remind the child
that before cleaning up, he should always sit on the toilet
and try to pass a BM. (Reason: Soiling always means there is a
larger BM inside that has caused the leakage. Unless it is
released, leakage with soon recur).
Thanks for helping this child through this difficult time. Please
feel free to call our office if you have any questions.
Physician's name: ______________________________________
Physician's signature: _________________________________
Phone: _________________
Written by B.D. Schmitt, MD, author of "Your Child's Health," Bantam Books.
Published by
RelayHealth.
Last modified: 2004-03-15
Last reviewed: 2008-06-09
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to
change as new health information becomes available. The
information is intended to inform and educate and is not a
replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or
treatment by a healthcare professional.
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