Clinical: Red flag symptoms - Abdominal pain.

A thorough history will help to identify the cause of abdominal pain, says Dr Pipin Singh.

- Sudden onset

- Physiological shock

- Acute/obstructed abdomen

- History of aortic aneurysm

- Pregnancy

- Shortness of breath and vomiting

Abdominal pain is a common presenting problem in primary care. Many potentially life-threatening diagnoses present with acute abdominal pain.

However, a focused history and examination should lead to a diagnosis and appropriate management.

History

Begin by locating the pain and ask the patient how and when it began and what they were doing at the time. Ask about …