Symptom

Definition

A symptom is a subjective indication of a disease or infection experienced by the patient, such as pain or fatigue. Symptoms are not directly measurable and rely on the patient's description.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Symptoms are subjective and based on the patient's personal experience.
2. They differ from signs, which are objective indicators of disease observable by others.
3. Common symptoms of infectious diseases include fever, chills, fatigue, and muscle aches.
4. The presence of symptoms often triggers medical consultation and diagnostic evaluation.
5. Symptoms can vary widely among individuals even with the same infection due to factors like immune response and overall health.

Review Questions

• What distinguishes a symptom from a sign?
• Why are symptoms considered subjective in nature?
• How can the variability in symptoms affect diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases?

Related terms

Sign: An objective indicator of disease that can be observed or measured by others.

Pathogen: A microorganism that causes disease in its host.

Diagnosis: The process of identifying a disease based on its signs, symptoms, and other criteria.