What is Symptom?
'''Symptoms''' are used in [[diagnosis]]. The term is used in [[medicine]], and in other fields such as fault-finding in [[engineering]]. In medicine, it refers to things the [[patient]] feels or notices. It contrasts with [[signs]], which are changes which a doctor sees in a patient. What a patient feels is [[wikt:subjective|subjective]], whereas what a doctor sees is [[wikt:objective|objective]]. In diagnosis, all symptoms and signs are brought together to make a [[hypothesis]] as to what is going wrong. This might suggest further investigation or treatment. A complete investigation ends with a diagnosis that summarizes all this. * Pain is a symptom, and red color is a sign, of a skin burn. * Feeling sick is a symptom, and [[vomiting]] and [[diarrhea]] are signs, of food poisoning, [[cholera]] and other causes. * Pain in the [[chest]] is a symptom, and [[cyanosis]] (blue color of skin) is a sign, of [[heart disease]]. * Headaches, aching muscles, and nausea are symptoms of [[influenza]]. == Similar terms == *'''Symptomatic''': having or showing symptoms. *'''Asymptomatic''': not showing symptoms. **'''[[Asymptomatic carrier]]''' has the disease but shows no symptoms. {{-}} {{med-stub}} [[Category:Symptoms| ]]