Constipation & Encopresis
Pediatric Constipation Treatment
Real plans for chronic constipation, stool withholding, and soiling, with the time to actually fix the cycle.
Pediatric constipation is one of the most common reasons families end up in a pediatric GI office, and one of the most under-treated. Quick visits and one-line laxative recommendations rarely solve the problem.
Dr. Mendez takes the time to understand the full picture: diet, behavior, withholding, prior treatments, and any underlying medical contributors. The result is a clear, written plan you can actually carry out at home.
Signs and symptoms
- Fewer than three bowel movements per week
- Hard, painful, or very large stools
- Stool withholding or hiding to poop
- Soiling or staining in underwear (encopresis)
- Abdominal pain that improves after a bowel movement
- Decreased appetite or bloating
- Toilet refusal or fear of the bathroom
- Blood on the stool or toilet paper
How we treat it
- A thorough history and exam to identify withholding behavior, diet patterns, and any red flags.
- Personalized clean-out plan when stool has been retained for a long time.
- Maintenance plan with the right medication, dose, and duration, not a one-size guess.
- Behavioral and toileting coaching for kids who fear or avoid the bathroom.
- Close follow-up so the plan is adjusted before things slide backward.
When to call a pediatric GI
- Constipation that has lasted more than a few weeks despite over-the-counter measures.
- Painful bowel movements, blood, or fissures.
- Soiling or staining accidents in a previously toilet-trained child.
- Belly pain, poor appetite, or trouble sleeping that may be related.
- Recurrent constipation that keeps coming back after treatment stops.
Frequently asked
How long do most kids need to stay on a stool softener?
Often months, not days. The colon has to relearn a normal pattern after long-term retention, and stopping too early is the most common reason constipation comes back. We tailor the duration to your child and taper slowly.
Is MiraLAX safe for children?
Polyethylene glycol 3350 has been used in pediatric GI for decades and is generally well tolerated. We choose the dose, schedule, and duration based on your child, and we are happy to talk through your questions in detail.
Will my child outgrow this on their own?
Some kids will. Many will not, and the longer stool is retained the harder it is to undo. Early, organized treatment is the kindest thing you can do for your child.
Ready to talk it through?
Concierge access means we have the time to listen, evaluate carefully, and stay with your family through every step.