Oedema

Question 1

Site

Answer 1

Where is the swelling?

Is it on both sides?

Question 2

Qaulity

Answer 2

Could you describe the swelling for me?

Question 3

Severity

Answer 3

How much swelling is there?
Do you ever find yourself short of breath when you lie down at night?
How many pillows do you sleep with?

Question 4

Time course

Answer 4

How long has this been going on for?
Does the amount of swelling vary throughout the day?
In general has the swelling been getting worse or staying the same ?
Has this ever happened before?

Question 5

Context

Answer 5

Did you notice anything around the time of the swelling?

Question 6

Relieving factors

Answer 6

Normal

Question 7

Aggravating factors

Answer 7

Normal

Question 8

Associated factors

Answer 8

Normal

Question 9

Past medical history

Answer 9

Normal

Question 10

Family history

Answer 10

Normal

Question 11

Smoking

Answer 11

Normal

Question 12

What are some associated features we are looking for?

Answer 12

Dyspnoea on exertion 
Orthopnoea 
Fever 
Pain (Chest, Abdomen) 
Excessive urination

Question 13

Differential Diagnosis

Answer 13

Congestive Heart Failure – Past History, fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, needing to sleep with multiple pillows, Family History of Heart problems

Cancer – Family History, Past History, weight loss, fever

Liver Failure – alcohol history, jaundice, abdominal pain

Local Infection/ Allergies – fever, fatigue, context, allergies

Kidney Failure – excessive urination, fatigue

Deep Vein Thrombosis – Unilateral swelling, redness, pain in calf, travel, certain medications, family history of DVTs/ clotting disorders