DURATION

Determine:

  • How long has the patient been experiencing the symptom(s), specific to the current situation?

  • If intermittent, over what period of time has the patient been experiencing the symptom(s)?

  • How long do/did the symptom(s) last?

Examples:

  • I first noticed the burning in my chest last night, after I went to bed.

  • I’ve been having this burning in my chest, on and off, for the last 3 months.

  • The burning can last from about 20 or 30 minutes to hours.