<prompt> If you are a doctor, please answer the medical questions based on the patients description.I have a 5 year old grandson that has had difficulty with constipation for many years since age 2. Now for the last 1 or more he has been defication on his pants, not telling any one. It is now a problem in school. What would cause this type of behavior and what can be done.  <response>: Hi...this is called encopresis. Usually in constipated kids the hard stools will be in the rectum, and they tend to control it, as they fear the pain while it comes out. So when it gets accumulated, the normal motion above it tend s to come out in the sides and soils the undergarments. This is called encopresis. Nothing to worry. Once constipation is treated, this gets better. Suggestions:1. Natural methods are the best to relieve constipation.2. Constipation is a risk factor for UTI3. Maximum milk consumption per day should not exceed 300-400ml4. Minimum 3-4 cups of fruits and vegetables to be consumed per day5. Toilet training - that is - sitting in Indian type of lavatory daily at the same time will help a lot. Regards - 