title: Chronic oedemas: identification and referral pathways.
abstract: In order to treat chronic oedemas correctly it is essential that the condition has been correctly identified and a differential diagnosis made as to the cause of the swelling. This article aims to provide definitions and characteristics of the different types of oedema/chronic oedema, how to recognize chronic oedema and provide suggestions for onward referral to the appropriate healthcare professionals who should be involved in the patients care.
authors.affiliation: Calderdale Royal Hospital, Calderdale & Huddersfield NHS Trust.
authors.forename: Tracy
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Green
authors.forename: Wendy
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Mason
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000465:Algorithms; D015984:Causality; D002755:Choice Behavior; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003152:Community Health Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration; D003663:Decision Trees; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004487:Edema / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D006112:Gravitation; D006801:Humans; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D018579:Patient Selection; D010808:Physical Examination; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000458:organization & administration*; D018570:Risk Assessment