Medical history (history of illness) represents an important component in the diagnosis of flank pain.
Family history
- Is there a frequent history of kidney disease/metabolic disorders in your family?
Social history
Current medical history/systemic history (somatic and psychological complaints).
- How long has the flank pain been present? Has the pain changed? Become more severe?
- Did the pain come on suddenly?*
- Where exactly is the pain localized? Does the pain radiate?
- What is the character of the pain? Stabbing, dull, burning, tearing, colicky, etc.?
- 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 or does it get better then?
- Do any other symptoms (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, flatulence, etc.) occur in addition to the flank pain?
- Do you have a fever?
- Do you have pain at night that wakes you up?
Vegetative anamnesis including nutritional anamnesis.
- Have you lost body weight?
- Woman: When was your last menstrual period?
- Has your appetite changed?
- Can they tolerate high-fat foods?
- Do you have abnormalities in urination?
- Have there been any changes in bowel movements and/or urination? In quantity, consistency, admixtures? Does it come to pain in the process?
Self anamnesis incl. medication anamnesis
- Pre-existing conditions (kidney disease, gastrointestinal diseases, tumor diseases).
- Operations
- Allergies
