Abdominal Dropsy (Ascites): Medical History

Medical history (history of illness) represents an important component in the diagnosis of ascites (abdominal dropsy).

Family history

  • Are there any diseases in your family (cardiovascular, tumor, liver diseases) that are common?

Social history

  • Is there any evidence of psychosocial stress or strain due to your family situation?

Current medical history/systemic history (somatic and psychological complaints).

  • Have you noticed an increase in abdominal girth per se?
  • If so, how long has this increase in circumference existed?
  • Do you suffer from shortness of breath?*
  • Have you noticed any protrusion of the umbilical region?

Vegetative anamnesis including nutritional anamnesis.

  • Has your appetite changed?
  • Have you noticed any unwanted change in body weight?
  • Do you suffer from sleep disturbances?
  • Do you smoke? If yes, how many cigarettes, cigars or pipes per day?
  • Do you drink alcohol? If yes, what drink(s) and how many glasses per day?
  • Do you use drugs? If yes, what drugs and how often per day or per week?

Self history incl. medication history.

  • Pre-existing conditions (cardiovascular disease, liver disease, tumor disease).
  • Operations (tumor diseases)
  • Allergies
  • Medication history

* If this question has been answered with “Yes”, an immediate visit to the doctor is required! (Information without guarantee)