Encopresis: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Seek emergency care for severe or worsening abdominal pain with marked swelling, green vomit, inability to pass stool or gas, unusual sleepiness, or signs that the child is seriously unwell.

   Other emergency signs, for anyone

   • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
   • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
   • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
   • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
   • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
   • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
   • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
   • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Contact a healthcare professional promptly for persistent blood in the stool, weight loss, poor growth, fever, repeated vomiting, severe pain, leg weakness, or changes in walking or bladder control.

   Symptoms beginning in early infancy also need careful assessment.

   A small bright-red streak after a hard stool often comes from a fissure, but heavy or continuing bleeding needs urgent assessment.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Arrange a routine appointment if a child aged 4 or older repeatedly leaks stool.

   Assessment is also appropriate for ongoing painful stools, withholding, urinary problems, poor appetite, or constipation that is not improving.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Encopresis. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.