🧩 Types of Symptoms:
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Physical Symptoms
These are visible or measurable signs, such as:-
Fever (high body temperature)
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Sweating
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Rapid heartbeat
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Skin color changes
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Subjective Symptoms
These are symptoms that the patient feels but cannot be directly observed or measured:-
Pain
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Fatigue
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Dizziness
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Shortness of breath
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📚 Types of Symptoms:
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Early Symptom | Initial stage of illness (e.g., mild headache) |
| Severe Symptom | Signs of worsening condition (e.g., pneumonia) |
| Chronic Symptom | Long-lasting symptoms (e.g., constant fatigue or loss of appetite) |
| Functional Symptom | Changes in bodily function (e.g., abdominal pain, nausea) |
🏥 Real-Life Examples:
Based on the patient's complaints, the doctor gives a diagnosis:
"You have pain, dizziness, and high fever. These are symptoms of likely influenza or a viral infection."
In another case:
"You have lower abdominal pain and frequent urination. These may be symptoms of a urinary tract infection."
❗ Why are Symptoms Important?
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Aid in Diagnosis: Symptoms provide vital information for the doctor to diagnose the condition.
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Help Choose Treatment: Symptoms guide the physician in selecting the appropriate treatment.
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Monitor Disease Progress: Symptoms help track how the illness is progressing and how the patient responds to treatment.
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Evaluate the Patient's Condition: Symptoms give an idea of how severe the health issue is.
🧠 Quick Comparison:
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Diagnosis | The process of identifying a disease |
| Prognosis | The predicted course or outcome of a disease |
| Symptom | The signs or manifestations of a disease that the patient or doctor can observe |