Signs vs. Symptoms — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 3, 2023
Signs are objective indicators observable by others, while symptoms are subjective experiences felt by the individual.
Difference Between Signs and Symptoms
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
In the realm of medicine, the distinction between signs and symptoms is essential. Signs refer to those physical manifestations of a disease or condition that can be observed or measured by medical professionals.
For example, a doctor might notice swelling or a rash on a patient, both of which are signs. On the other hand, symptoms are the feelings or experiences reported by the patient. If a patient describes feeling pain or fatigue, these are considered symptoms.
Understanding this differentiation is crucial because, often, the diagnosis of a condition or illness relies on the accurate interpretation of both signs and symptoms. While signs offer tangible, visible, or measurable proof of a medical condition, symptoms delve into the less tangible realm of personal experience and feeling.
Together, signs and symptoms paint a fuller picture of a patient's health, allowing for more accurate diagnoses and treatments.
Comparison Chart
Nature
Objective
Subjective
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Detection
Observable by others
Felt by the individual only
Example
Elevated blood pressure
Headache
Measurement
Can often be measured or quantified
Cannot be quantified
Reported by
Medical professionals based on observations or tests
Patient based on personal experience
Compare with Definitions
Signs
Objective evidence of disease.
The doctor detected signs of anemia through a blood test.
Symptoms
Feelings or sensations reported by a patient.
She described her symptoms as a sharp, stabbing pain.
Signs
Observable indicators of a condition.
The signs of the infection included redness and swelling.
Symptoms
Personal experiences indicating illness.
His symptoms included dizziness and blurred vision.
Signs
Physical proof of a medical condition.
The X-ray showed signs of a fracture.
Symptoms
Patient-described sensations or feelings.
The symptoms of depression can vary widely among individuals.
Signs
Manifestations measurable by medical tools.
The patient's vital signs were stable.
Symptoms
Subjective experiences related to a condition.
One of the common symptoms of flu is fatigue.
Signs
Something that suggests the presence or existence of a fact, condition, or quality
A high temperature is a sign of fever.
Symptoms
Non-measurable indications of disease.
Despite showing no signs, her symptoms were severe.
Signs
An act or gesture used to convey an idea, a desire, information, or a command
Gave the go-ahead sign.
Symptoms
An indication of a disorder or disease, especially a subjective one such as pain, nausea, or weakness.
Signs
Sign language.
Symptoms
A characteristic sign or indication of the existence of something else
Drought and erratic rainfall as symptoms of climate change.
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.
Symptoms
Plural of symptom
Signs
A posted notice bearing a designation, direction, or command
An EXIT sign above a door.
A traffic sign.
Signs
A conventional figure or device that stands for a word, phrase, or operation; a symbol, as in mathematics or in musical notation.
Signs
Pl. sign An indicator, such as a dropping or footprint, of the trail of an animal
Looking for deer sign.
Signs
A trace or vestige
No sign of life.
Signs
A portentous incident or event; a presage
Took the eclipse as a sign from God.
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.
Signs
One of the 12 divisions of the zodiac, each named for a constellation and represented by a symbol.
Signs
To affix one's signature to
Signed the letter.
Signs
To write (one's signature)
Signed her name to the contract.
Signs
To approve or ratify (a document) by affixing a signature, seal, or other mark
Sign a bill into law.
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.
Signs
To relinquish or transfer title to by signature
Signed away all her claims to the estate.
Signs
To provide with a sign or signs
Sign a new highway.
Signs
To communicate with a sign or signs
Signed his approval with a nod.
Signs
To express (a word or thought, for example) in a sign language
Signed her reply to the question.
Signs
To consecrate with the sign of the cross.
Signs
To make a sign or signs; signal.
Signs
To communicate in a sign language.
Signs
To write one's signature.
Signs
Plural of sign
The signs beside the road warned of ice.
Signs
External presentations of illness.
The signs of dehydration included dry skin and sunken eyes.
Common Curiosities
Are signs and symptoms the same thing in medicine?
No, signs are objective and observable by others, while symptoms are subjective experiences of the individual.
Can symptoms be seen by others?
No, symptoms are subjective and only felt by the individual.
How are signs detected?
Signs are detected through medical observation, examination, or tests.
Can a person have symptoms without visible signs?
Yes, it's possible for someone to feel symptoms without any observable signs.
Can a disease have both signs and symptoms?
Yes, many diseases present both observable signs and felt symptoms.
Why is the distinction between signs and symptoms important?
The distinction helps medical professionals diagnose and treat conditions accurately.
Are signs always visible?
Not always. Some signs, like elevated blood sugar, require tests to detect.
If someone is asymptomatic, does that mean they show no signs?
Asymptomatic means the individual feels no symptoms. They might still exhibit signs.
Who typically reports symptoms?
Symptoms are reported by the patient based on their personal experiences.
Are symptoms always a direct indication of a disease?
Not necessarily. Symptoms can be indicative of multiple conditions or even transient states.
How are vital signs related to the term "signs"?
Vital signs are specific types of signs that indicate essential body functions, like heart rate and temperature.
How do doctors use signs in diagnosis?
Doctors observe or measure signs to gather objective evidence of a condition.
Is a headache a sign or symptom?
A headache is a symptom as it's a sensation felt by the individual.
Can signs alone be used for diagnosis?
While signs provide valuable information, a comprehensive diagnosis often considers both signs and symptoms.
Do all patients express symptoms in the same way?
No, the experience of symptoms can vary widely among individuals.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
