About the clinic
The Encopresis Clinic at the Centre for Community Child Health was established to help children who regularly soil their underwear (encopresis) or who have wetting problems (enuresis) in combination with soiling.
Patients are bulk billed for their consultations and therefore will need a referral from their general practitioner.
About Encopresis
Encopresis or soiling problems usually build up over a period of time and may be associated with constipation or apparent diarrhoea. Most children have no control over the soiling. Some children have wetting associated with their soiling or have wetting problems only. Night time wetting is normal up to around 7 years of age, daytime wetting is more problematic at an earlier age.
Each child has a full paediatric assessment, including overall development, associated behaviours, emotional development and family function.
Management usually consists of a regular toileting program, keeping a diary and using laxatives. Older children with night time wetting may need to use an enuresis alarm. Liaison is made with schools to minimise feelings of embarrassment and to ensure the appropriate toileting program. Links with continence nurses and gastroenterology specialists at The Royal Children's Hospital are made when required.
Clinic staff include consultant paediatricians, senior paediatric trainees and clinic coordinators. There may be teaching and research activities in the clinic.