2 Inquiry of the history of present illness
The history of present illness refers to the whole course of the onset, development and changes of illness from its occurrence to the time that the patient comes to the doctor. The inquiry of the history of present illness includes three aspects, occurrence, Pathological changes and course of diagnosis and treatment.
1.3.2.2.1 Occurrence
Occurrence includes the time of onset, whether the onset is sudden or gradual, cause of onset, initial symptoms and their nature and location as well as primary treatment. The understanding of such aspects is important for differentiating the cause and location and nature of disease.
1.3.2.2.2 Development of disease
Inquiry of the development of disease includes the pathological changes from the onset of disease to the time that the patient comes to the doctor. Specifically speaking, it includes the nature, degree and changes of the main symptoms, the time of alleviation or aggravation, when there are new pathological changes, and whether there is any rules in the pathological changes. Such an inquiry is important for the understanding of the struggle between healthy qi and pathogenic factors as well as the tendency of the development of pathological changes.
1.3.2.2.3 Procedure of diagnosis and treatment
Inquiry of the procedure of diagnosis and treatment includes whether the patient consults the doctor after onset, what test has been made, what the result is, what the diagnosis is made, what treatment has been taken and what the curative effect is, etc. Such data above the diagnosis and treatment made in the past can be taken as a reference for the present diagnosis and treatment.
