Why do signs and symptoms matter?

Many people use the words ‘sign’ and ‘symptom’ interchangeably. However, there are important differences that affect their use in the field of medicine.

Any objective evidence of a disease, such as a skin rash or a cough, is a sign. A doctor, family members, and the individual experiencing the signs can identify these.

However, less obvious breaks in normal function, such as stomachache, lower back pain, and fatigue, are symptoms and can only be recognized by the person experiencing them. Symptoms are subjective, meaning that other people only know about them if informed by the individual with the condition.

The key difference between signs and symptoms is who observes the effect.

For example, a rash could be a sign, a symptom, or both:

• If the patient notices the rash, it is a symptom.
• If the doctor, nurse, or anyone other than the patient notices the rash, it is a sign.
• If both the patient and doctor notice the rash, it can be classed as both a sign and a symptom.

Regardless of who notices that a system or body part is not functioning normally, signs and symptoms are the body’s ways of letting a person know that not everything is running smoothly. Some signs and symptoms need follow-up by a medical professional, while others may completely resolve without treatment.

Examples Of Signs Vs Symptoms