GI Troubles: What They Mean

Abdominal pain

* Location: Where is the pain located? Is it in the upper abdomen, lower abdomen, or both?

* Intensity: How severe is the pain? Is it mild, moderate, or severe?

* Duration: How long has the pain been going on? Is it constant or intermittent?

* Character: What does the pain feel like? Is it sharp, dull, stabbing, or burning?

* Associated symptoms: Are there any other symptoms associated with the pain, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation?

Nausea

* Intensity: How severe is the nausea? Is it mild, moderate, or severe?

* Duration: How long has the nausea been going on? Is it constant or intermittent?

* Associated symptoms: Are there any other symptoms associated with the nausea, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation?

Vomiting

* Frequency: How often are you vomiting?

* Amount: How much are you vomiting? Is it a small amount, a large amount, or everything you eat or drink?

* Color: What color is the vomit? Is it clear, yellow, green, or brown?

* Associated symptoms: Are there any other symptoms associated with the vomiting, such as nausea, diarrhea, or constipation?

Diarrhea

* Frequency: How often are you having diarrhea?

* Consistency: What is the consistency of the diarrhea? Is it watery, loose, or formed?

* Color: What color is the diarrhea? Is it yellow, brown, or black?

* Associated symptoms: Are there any other symptoms associated with the diarrhea, such as nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain?

Constipation

* Frequency: How often do you have bowel movements?

* Consistency: What is the consistency of your stools? Are they hard, soft, or loose?

* Straining: Do you have to strain to have a bowel movement?

* Associated symptoms: Are there any other symptoms associated with the constipation, such as abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting?

Gas

* Amount: How much gas are you passing? Is it a small amount, a large amount, or excessive?

* Odor: What does the gas smell like? Is it foul-smelling or not?

* Associated symptoms: Are there any other symptoms associated with the gas, such as abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting?

Bloating

* Location: Where do you feel the bloating? Is it in the upper abdomen, lower abdomen, or both?

* Intensity: How severe is the bloating? Is it mild, moderate, or severe?

* Duration: How long has the bloating been going on? Is it constant or intermittent?

* Associated symptoms: Are there any other symptoms associated with the bloating, such as abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting?