Past history is very important in gastrointestinal system
- History of Jaundice indicate viral hepatitis
- Drug intake - history of drug intake such as rifampicin. INH. anabolic steroids pills are risk factors for jaundice .NSAID intake for melena or history of any herbal remedies
- Blood transfusion or transfusion of any blood products (viral hepatitis C. D and G).
- Recent tattooing or acupuncture: Drug abuse.to rule out viral hepatitis
- Alcohol consumption predispose to cirrhosis
- Tuberculosis can cause ascites due to tuberculous peritonitis.
- Haematemesis or melena (peptic ulcer, ruptured oesophageal varices, gastric malignancy)-
- Fever seen in tuberculosis, hepatocellular failure
- Haematochczia occur due to lower G. 1. malignancy. haemorrhoid
