Medical history (history of illness) represents an important component in the diagnosis of amebic dysentery.
Family history
- Have you been on a trip abroad within the last year? If so, where were you on vacation?
- What is the general health of your dependents?
- Are there any diseases of the gastrointestinal tract in your family that are common?
Social history
Current medical history/systemic history (somatic and psychological complaints).
- How long have you had diarrhea?
- Please indicate the frequency in the last 24 hours.
- Please describe the stool condition.
- Do you have blood* and/or mucus in your stool?
- Do you have a fever?
- Do you suffer from accompanying abdominal pain, abdominal cramps, etc.?
- Do you have pain in the right upper abdomen?
- How has the amount you drink changed? (normal or decreased?)
Vegetative anamnesis incl. nutritional anamnesis.
- Do you pay attention to food hygiene?
- Do you follow the general hygiene measures?
Self-history
- Previous illnesses (gastrointestinal diseases, infectious diseases).
- Operations
- Radiotherapy
- Allergies
- Medication history
Caveat. In any persistent diarrhea with a history of tropical diseases, amebiasis must be considered among others. The absence of amebic dysentery in the history does not exclude an amebic liver abscess!
* If this question has been answered with “Yes”, an immediate visit to the physician is required! (Data without guarantee)
