Present illness的意思

"Present illness" is a medical term used to describe the current health problem or problems a patient is experiencing. It refers to the main reason the patient is seeking medical attention at the time of the consultation or hospital admission. The term "present illness" is often used in medical records, progress notes, and other clinical documentation to document the patient's chief complaint and the history of the current health issue, including its duration, associated symptoms, and any treatments that have been tried.

When a healthcare provider asks a patient about their "present illness," they are inquiring about the specific health concerns that brought the patient to seek medical care. This information is crucial for making an accurate diagnosis and developing an appropriate treatment plan. The description of the present illness often includes details such as when the symptoms started, how they have progressed, any exacerbating or relieving factors, and the impact on the patient's daily life.

It's important to note that "present illness" is different from "past medical history," which refers to a patient's overall health history, including previous diseases, surgeries, and hospitalizations.