What is the CC in the case studies? What are important questions to ask the patients to formulate the history of present illness and what did the patients tell you?

You cannot get the precise chief complaint of the patients without a detailed case study. In general, the CC represents the most important reason why the patient seeks medical treatment.

Some important questions that you may ask your patients when describing the illness include:

1. What symptoms do you experience?
2. What symptoms have you experienced and when did they begin?
3. What factors trigger your symptoms or make them worse?
4. What medications and treatments have you tried to treat your symptoms?
5. You may have experienced similar medical problems or symptoms in the recent past.
6. Do you have any symptoms or conditions other than your current symptoms that could be related?

The patients’ responses will help the healthcare provider to understand the nature and severity of the symptoms, potential underlying causes, and appropriate course of treatment. If the chest pain is sudden, radiates into the left arm and comes with shortness of breathe and sweating the provider must suspect that the patient may be having a heart attack.

It is important to note that the history of present illness should be tailored to the patient’s unique circumstances, and additional questions may be necessary depending on the patient’s age, medical history, and other relevant factors.