Difference Between Signs And Symptoms

We often use the terms ‘signs’ and ‘symptoms’ interchangeably,

which is wrong. They are two very different things which we must
use correctly. It is quite common for a non-medical person to get
these words wrong, but this article will help clear it. In other words,
signs are something which doctors and other people observe. On the
other hand, symptoms are something a patient notices on their word.
While it is true that these terms are interrelated but there is a huge
difference between signs and symptoms. One of the main difference
is in terms of features. For instance, a doctor prescribes blood tests,
x-ray, checking pulse rate, which indicate the signs of disease. And,
the patient who feels body pain, fatigue, headache can term them as
symptoms.

Definition of Sign
If we look at the general meaning of a sign, it will mean to denote
or provide information about something. However, medically, the
sign means to gain actual information about a certain disease or
illness.

The doctors or health care professionals ask for symptoms from the
patient as well as use other measurable methods like blood test,
pulse rate check, X-ray and more. One can observe signs by feeling,
hearing or seeing them and it is the objective evidence of disease.

For instance, swelling, bleeding, fractures, these all are examples of

signs. Thus, signs physically demonstrate a disease which others are
able to detect.
Definition of Symptom
Symptoms are something which only the patient can experience. In
other words, it is like a type of report which the patient provides to
the doctor. Consequently, based on that, the doctor diagnoses the
patient.

Unlike signs which are objective, symptoms are subjective as only

the person can feel it. For instance, headache, nausea, shivering,
body ache, muscles fatigue, and more and all examples of
symptoms.

In fact, one can also consider symptoms to be an indication of

certain diseases. Most importantly, they are not visible to others.
Regardless, it is important to not ignore them and take them
seriously. If you notice any, it is advisable to consult a physician.
Difference Between Signs And Symptoms

Important Difference between Signs And Symptoms

Basis of Comparison Signs Symptoms

It is evidence of
It is evidence of diseases
disease that means it
Meaning which only a person can
is observed by
feel.
others.

Nature Objective Subjective

 Visible and Experienced by the
Observation Method observable by health sufferer or patients who
care professionals experiences symptoms

Can measure by
checking
Cannot be measured as
temperature, taking
How to Check the person only feels
X-ray, monitoring
them.
pulse rate, blood test
and more.

Three types: Three types: Chronic

Anamnestic signs symptoms
Types
Prognostic signs Relapsing symptoms
Diagnostic signs Remitting symptoms

Cancer, AIDS,
Asthma, Body pain, headache,
Tuberculosis which itching, nausea, felt by
Example
health care the sufferer or patient
professionals can only.
specifically diagnose

Visibility Visible Vague

More details about Sign

There are three kinds of medical signs. They are anamnestic,

prognostic, and diagnostic signs. Firstly, the Anamnestic signs refer
to the past experience of the disease or conditions. For instance, a
paralysis stroke, heart attack.
Further, Prognostic signs are ones that predict future disease. In
other words, the doctor predicts the chances of occurrence of
disease after observing the signs and symptoms.

Finally, Diagnostic signs are ones which indicate the actual disease
from which the patient is suffering presently.

More details about Symptom

There are three kinds of medical symptoms. They are chronic

symptoms, relapsing symptoms and remitting symptoms. Firstly,
chronic symptoms are the types of symptom where there is a long-
lasting pain, that does not go away like in cancer, AIDS, asthma.

Relapsing symptoms are the symptoms which reoccur after they

disappear in the past. For instance, multiple sclerosis and cancer are
examples of symptoms. Finally, there is remitting symptoms are
ones that get completely escape from the body.

FAQs about Difference between Signs And Symptoms

Question 1: State one difference between signs and symptoms.

Answer 1: One difference between signs and symptoms is that

signs are objective and symptoms are subjective.

Question 2: What are the three types of symptoms?

Answer 2: There are three kinds of medical symptoms. They are

chronic symptoms, relapsing symptoms and remitting symptoms.

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