A thorough patient history and physical examination is used to better understand the underlying cause of<unk> . The process of gathering a history may include: * Identifying more information about the chief complaint by eliciting a history of present illness; i.e. a narrative of the current symptoms such as the onset, location, duration, character, aggravating or relieving factors, and temporal nature of the<unk> . Identifying other possible factors may aid in the diagnosis of the underlying cause of<unk> , such as recent travel, recent contact with other ill individuals, and for females, a thorough gynecologic history. * Learning about the patient's past medical history, focusing on any prior issues or surgical procedures. * Clarifying the patient's current medication regimen, including prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, and supplements. * Confirming the patient's drug and food allergies. * Discussing with the patient any family history of disease processes, focusing on conditions that might resemble the patient's current presentation. * Discussing with the patient any health-related behaviors (e.g. tobacco use, alcohol consumption, drug use, and sexual activity) that might make certain diagnoses more likely. * Reviewing the presence of non-abdominal symptoms (e.g., fever, chills, chest<unk> , shortness of breath, vaginal bleeding) that can further clarify the diagnostic picture. *Using Carnett's sign to differentiate between visceral<unk>  and<unk>  originating in the muscles of the abdominal wall. After gathering a thorough history, one should perform a physical exam in order to identify important physical signs that might clarify the diagnosis, including a cardiovascular exam, lung exam, thorough abdominal exam, and for females, a genitourinary exam. Additional investigations that can aid diagnosis include: * Blood tests including complete blood count, basic metabolic panel, electrolytes, liver function tests, amylase, lipase, troponin I, and for females, a serum pregnancy test. * Urinalysis * Imaging including chest and abdominal X-rays * Electrocardiogram If diagnosis remains unclear after history, examination, and basic investigations as above, then more advanced investigations may reveal a diagnosis. Such tests include: * Computed tomography of the abdomen/pelvis * Abdominal or pelvic ultrasound * Endoscopy and/or colonoscopy
Abdominal pain
Gallbladder flush
Rectal pain
Blood in stool
Abdominal distension
Vaginal bleeding
Chest pain
Bloating