Signs vs. Symptoms: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on December 25, 2023
Signs are objective, observable indications of a medical condition, while symptoms are subjective experiences reported by the patient.
Key Differences
Signs are objective, measurable indicators of a medical condition, observable by a healthcare professional. They include measurable changes like fever, rash, or high blood pressure. Symptoms, in contrast, are subjective feelings or experiences that only the patient can describe, such as pain, fatigue, or nausea.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 25, 2023
Signs can be seen, measured, or tested through medical examinations like blood tests, X-rays, or physical assessment. For example, a swollen joint is a sign. Symptoms, however, cannot be directly measured but are reported by the patient, like the feeling of joint pain.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 25, 2023
In diagnosing diseases, signs provide concrete evidence that can be recorded and analyzed. Elevated heart rate, for instance, is a sign. Symptoms are vital for initial patient evaluation, as they guide healthcare professionals on what conditions to consider, like a complaint of chest pain.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 25, 2023
Signs are crucial for monitoring the progress of a disease or the effectiveness of a treatment, as they can show tangible changes. A reduction in inflammation, for example, is a sign of improvement. Symptoms help in assessing the impact of the disease on the patient's quality of life, like ongoing fatigue.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 25, 2023
While signs can sometimes be observed without patient input, they gain context with the patient's symptoms. Jaundice is a sign, which, when paired with the symptom of abdominal pain, can indicate liver issues. Symptoms provide insight into the experience of the patient, crucial for holistic care.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 25, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Monitoring
Track disease progress and treatment response
Assess impact on quality of life
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Dec 25, 2023
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Signs and Symptoms Definitions
Signs
Signs can be observed or measured by others.
High blood pressure is a sign that can be measured during a check-up.
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Dec 13, 2023
Symptoms
Symptoms are reported by the patient.
Nausea is a symptom that a patient might report to a doctor.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Signs
Signs provide evidence of health changes.
A fever is a sign of infection.
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Dec 13, 2023
Symptoms
Symptoms are personal experiences indicating illness.
Headache is a common symptom of stress or illness.
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Dec 13, 2023
Signs
Signs are physical manifestations of a health issue.
A rash is a sign of an allergic reaction.
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Dec 13, 2023
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Symptoms
Symptoms reflect the patient's internal experience.
A feeling of breathlessness is a symptom of respiratory issues.
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Dec 13, 2023
Signs
Signs are external indicators of internal health conditions.
Swelling in a limb is a sign of inflammation.
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Dec 13, 2023
Symptoms
Symptoms are personal perceptions of health alterations.
Joint pain is a symptom often associated with arthritis.
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Dec 13, 2023
Signs
Signs are detectable abnormalities indicating disease.
Yellowing of the eyes is a sign of jaundice.
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Dec 13, 2023
Symptoms
Symptoms are subjective feelings of discomfort.
Fatigue is a symptom often described in various diseases.
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Dec 13, 2023
Signs
Something that suggests the presence or existence of a fact, condition, or quality
A high temperature is a sign of fever.
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Dec 08, 2023
Symptoms
An indication of a disorder or disease, especially a subjective one such as pain, nausea, or weakness.
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Dec 08, 2023
Signs
An act or gesture used to convey an idea, a desire, information, or a command
Gave the go-ahead sign.
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Dec 08, 2023
Symptoms
A characteristic sign or indication of the existence of something else
Drought and erratic rainfall as symptoms of climate change.
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Dec 08, 2023
Signs
A displayed structure bearing lettering or symbols, used to identify or advertise a place of business
A motel with a flashing neon sign outside.
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Dec 08, 2023
Signs
A posted notice bearing a designation, direction, or command
An EXIT sign above a door.
A traffic sign.
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Dec 08, 2023
Signs
A conventional figure or device that stands for a word, phrase, or operation; a symbol, as in mathematics or in musical notation.
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Dec 08, 2023
Signs
Pl. sign An indicator, such as a dropping or footprint, of the trail of an animal
Looking for deer sign.
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Dec 08, 2023
Signs
A portentous incident or event; a presage
Took the eclipse as a sign from God.
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Dec 08, 2023
Signs
(Medicine) An objective finding, usually detected on physical examination, from a laboratory test, or on an x-ray, that indicates the presence of abnormality or disease.
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Dec 08, 2023
Signs
One of the 12 divisions of the zodiac, each named for a constellation and represented by a symbol.
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Dec 08, 2023
Signs
To approve or ratify (a document) by affixing a signature, seal, or other mark
Sign a bill into law.
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Dec 08, 2023
Signs
To hire or engage by obtaining a signature on a contract
Signed a rookie pitcher for next season.
Sign up actors for a tour.
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Dec 08, 2023
Signs
To relinquish or transfer title to by signature
Signed away all her claims to the estate.
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Dec 08, 2023
Signs
To express (a word or thought, for example) in a sign language
Signed her reply to the question.
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Dec 08, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Are signs more reliable than symptoms for diagnosis?
Signs provide objective evidence, but both signs and symptoms are crucial for diagnosis.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 25, 2023
Can a medical condition have both signs and symptoms?
Yes, most conditions have both observable signs and reported symptoms.
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Dec 25, 2023
Can signs be misleading in diagnosis?
Sometimes signs can be misleading if not considered with symptoms and tests.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 25, 2023
Are symptoms always indicative of an underlying problem?
Symptoms can be indicative of an underlying issue, but they can also be temporary or benign.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 25, 2023
Can a symptom be measured?
Symptoms are subjective and cannot be directly measured.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 25, 2023
Do all diseases show clear signs?
Some diseases may not show clear signs, especially in early stages.
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Dec 25, 2023
Is pain a sign or a symptom?
Pain is a symptom, as it is a subjective experience.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 25, 2023
What is the main difference between signs and symptoms?
Signs are observable indicators, while symptoms are subjective experiences.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 25, 2023
Are there cultural differences in how signs and symptoms are perceived?
Yes, cultural factors can influence how signs and symptoms are interpreted and expressed.
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Dec 25, 2023
Can signs and symptoms be used as diagnostic criteria for medical conditions?
Yes, healthcare professionals often use signs and symptoms as part of diagnostic criteria.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 25, 2023
Can symptoms guide medical testing?
Yes, reported symptoms guide what tests might be necessary.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 25, 2023
How do healthcare professionals use signs?
Professionals use signs to diagnose, monitor, and treat conditions.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 25, 2023
Are signs and symptoms always associated with negative conditions?
No, signs and symptoms can also be related to positive experiences or indicators of well-being, such as signs of recovery or happiness.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 25, 2023
Are symptoms always reported verbally?
Mostly, though non-verbal cues can also indicate symptoms in some cases.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 25, 2023
Are signs always visible?
Signs can be visible, audible, or otherwise perceptible through the senses.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 25, 2023
Is self-diagnosis based on signs and symptoms reliable?
Self-diagnosis should be approached with caution, as it may not always be accurate. Consulting a healthcare professional is advisable.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 25, 2023
Do all illnesses have symptoms?
Not all illnesses or conditions produce noticeable symptoms; some may be asymptomatic.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 25, 2023
Can signs and symptoms be psychosomatic?
Yes, psychosomatic symptoms can have psychological or emotional origins, but they are still real to the individual experiencing them.
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Dec 25, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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