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Signs vs. Symptoms: Know the Difference

Shumaila Saeed
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.
Signs vs. Symptoms

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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Comparison Chart

Nature

Objective, observable
Subjective, experienced
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Measurement

Quantifiable, visible
Reported, not directly measurable
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Examples

Rash, fever, abnormal blood test
Pain, dizziness, fatigue
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Role in Diagnosis

Concrete evidence for analysis
Guide initial evaluation
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Monitoring

Track disease progress and treatment response
Assess impact on quality of life
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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.
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Signs

Signs provide evidence of health changes.
A fever is a sign of infection.
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Symptoms

Symptoms are personal experiences indicating illness.
Headache is a common symptom of stress or illness.
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Signs

Signs are physical manifestations of a health issue.
A rash is a sign of an allergic reaction.
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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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Signs

Signs are external indicators of internal health conditions.
Swelling in a limb is a sign of inflammation.
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Symptoms

Symptoms are personal perceptions of health alterations.
Joint pain is a symptom often associated with arthritis.
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Signs

Signs are detectable abnormalities indicating disease.
Yellowing of the eyes is a sign of jaundice.
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Symptoms

Symptoms are subjective feelings of discomfort.
Fatigue is a symptom often described in various diseases.
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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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Symptoms

An indication of a disorder or disease, especially a subjective one such as pain, nausea, or weakness.
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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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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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Signs

Sign language.
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Symptoms

Plural of symptom
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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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Signs

A posted notice bearing a designation, direction, or command
An EXIT sign above a door.
A traffic sign.
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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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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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Signs

A trace or vestige
No sign of life.
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Signs

A portentous incident or event; a presage
Took the eclipse as a sign from God.
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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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Signs

One of the 12 divisions of the zodiac, each named for a constellation and represented by a symbol.
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Signs

To affix one's signature to
Signed the letter.
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Signs

To write (one's signature)
Signed her name to the contract.
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Signs

To approve or ratify (a document) by affixing a signature, seal, or other mark
Sign a bill into law.
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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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Signs

To relinquish or transfer title to by signature
Signed away all her claims to the estate.
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Signs

To provide with a sign or signs
Sign a new highway.
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Signs

To communicate with a sign or signs
Signed his approval with a nod.
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Signs

To express (a word or thought, for example) in a sign language
Signed her reply to the question.
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Signs

To consecrate with the sign of the cross.
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Signs

To make a sign or signs; signal.
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Signs

To communicate in a sign language.
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Signs

To write one's signature.
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Signs

Plural of sign
The signs beside the road warned of ice.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries

Are signs more reliable than symptoms for diagnosis?

Signs provide objective evidence, but both signs and symptoms are crucial for diagnosis.
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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.
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Are symptoms always indicative of an underlying problem?

Symptoms can be indicative of an underlying issue, but they can also be temporary or benign.
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Can a symptom be measured?

Symptoms are subjective and cannot be directly measured.
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Do all diseases show clear signs?

Some diseases may not show clear signs, especially in early stages.
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Is pain a sign or a symptom?

Pain is a symptom, as it is a subjective experience.
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What is the main difference between signs and symptoms?

Signs are observable indicators, while symptoms are subjective experiences.
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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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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.
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Can symptoms guide medical testing?

Yes, reported symptoms guide what tests might be necessary.
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How do healthcare professionals use signs?

Professionals use signs to diagnose, monitor, and treat conditions.
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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.
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Are symptoms always reported verbally?

Mostly, though non-verbal cues can also indicate symptoms in some cases.
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Are signs always visible?

Signs can be visible, audible, or otherwise perceptible through the senses.
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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.
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Do all illnesses have symptoms?

Not all illnesses or conditions produce noticeable symptoms; some may be asymptomatic.
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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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About Author
Shumaila Saeed
Written by
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila 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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