How is mode of onset and progression of abdominal pain assessed?

● How did it start (and where) reflects the nature and severity of the underlying process: - Strong, mild then increasing with time, etc. - Whether for seconds or minutes or hours. ● Explosive (seconds), rapidly progressive (1-2hrs), gradual (4-6hrs) ● Unheralded (not expected) ● Excruciating generalized pain suggests intra-abdominal catastrophe.