Acute Abdomen: Medical History

The medical history (history of illness) represents an important component in the diagnosis of acute abdomen.

Family history

Social history

Current anamnesis/systemic anamnesis (somatic and psychological complaints).

How long has the pain been present? Has the pain changed? Become stronger?
Where did the pain start?
Where exactly is the pain localized now? Does the pain radiate out?
What is the character of the pain? Sharp, dull, etc.?
Is the abdomen severely painful with pressure?* .
When does the pain occur? Are you dependent on external factors such as diet, stress, weather?
Are the pains dependent on breathing?*
Does the pain intensify with exertion/movement?*
On a scale of 1 to 10, where 1 is very mild and 10 is very severe, how severe is the pain?
Do you experience any other symptoms besides abdominal pain?
Have there been any changes in bowel movements and/or urination? In quantity, consistency, admixtures? Does it come to pain in the process?
Are you nauseous, have you had to vomit?*
Have you injured yourself recently?

Vegetative anamnesis including nutritional anamnesis.

Has your appetite changed?
Have you noticed any unwanted change in weight?
Have you noticed any changes in digestion (constipation?, diarrhea?) and/or water excretion?
When was the last bowel movement?
Do winds (gases) go off?
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.

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