Assessing and treating faecal incontinence in children.

Faecal incontinence can have a profound effect on the lives of children and their families. Children who have faecal incontinence have a greater risk of being bullied at school, and parents are often frustrated and concerned by the associated social stigma. The social and psychological effects of faecal incontinence on the child can last for a long time. This article provides an overview of the causes of faecal incontinence, discusses assessment of bowel dysfunction and outlines current treatments. The article also highlights the importance of the nurse's role, as part of the multidisciplinary team, in assessing, treating and supporting children and their families to ensure that any interventions have the best chance of succeeding and to minimise the risk of relapse.