Symptoms are signs that indicate a disease or medical condition. Symptoms are experienced by the person experiencing them and cannot be observed by anyone else. For example, a ringing in the ear is a symptom of tinnitus – it can only be experienced by the person suffering from it.
Symptoms can be divided into three categories, depending on how they are experienced. Cardinal symptoms, which are the first ones to appear, indicate the possibility of a serious health issue and require immediate medical attention.
Examples include fever, chills, vomiting, chest pain and severe fatigue. Other symptoms that may warrant immediate medical attention include unexplained weight loss, nipple discharge or unusual lumps on the breast.
If a symptom is persistent, it is considered chronic and may be an indication of a long-term illness. Some conditions, such as cancer, can be asymptomatic at the early stages of the disease. For this reason, it is important to undergo regular screenings for certain diseases such as prostate cancer.
Patients can help their doctors make an accurate diagnosis by clearly explaining their symptoms and bringing up any related concerns. They should also be willing to provide their medical history and any other pertinent information such as where they work, what they eat, how much sleep they get and how they manage their stress. This way, their doctor can better understand their situation and recommend the most appropriate treatment for them.