Chronic diarrhoea: investigation, treatment and nursing care.

Chronic diarrhoea is a distressing symptom of a number of conditions. This article explains the assessment of patients at the initial outpatient visit through the various investigations and finally medical and surgical treatment. Emphasis is placed on the nursing management of chronic diarrhoea, particularly the treatment of physical effects such as dehydration and perianal skin soreness, and the psychological aspects of care.