Signs and symptoms
Signs are objective and externally observable; symptoms are a person's reported subjective experiences.
[7] These signs may be visible, such as a rash or bruise, or otherwise detectable such as by using a stethoscope or taking blood pressure.
[13] Signs and symptoms are often non-specific, but some combinations can be suggestive of certain diagnoses, helping to narrow down what may be wrong.
Signs and symptoms may be mild or severe, brief or longer-lasting when they may become reduced (remission), or then recur (relapse or recrudescence) known as a flare-up.
Measles for example has a prodromal presentation that includes a hacking cough, fever, and Koplik's spots in the mouth.
[29] A digital application has been developed for use in clinical settings that measures three of the vital signs (not temperature) using just a smartphone, and has been approved by NHS England.
Noonan syndrome for example, has a diagnostic set of unique facial and musculoskeletal features.
Often a diagnosis may be made at some future point when other more specific symptoms emerge but many cases may remain undiagnosed.
The following terms are used for negative symptoms – hypoesthesia is a partial loss of sensitivity to moderate stimuli, such as pressure, touch, warmth, cold.
[citation needed] Negative symptoms are functions that are normally found but that are diminished or absent, such as apathy and anhedonia.
Neuropsychiatric symptoms are present in many degenerative disorders including dementia, and Parkinson's disease.
[39] Neurological and psychiatric symptoms are also present in some genetic disorders such as Wilson's disease.
[40] Symptoms of executive dysfunction are often found in many disorders including schizophrenia, and ADHD.
Inflammation for example has a recognised group of cardinal signs and symptoms,[44] as does exacerbations of chronic bronchitis,[45] and Parkinson's disease.
In the patellar reflex (knee-jerk) for example, its reduction or absence is known as Westphal's sign and may indicate damage to lower motor neurons.
[citation needed] A number of medical conditions are associated with a distinctive facial expression or appearance known as a facies.
[51]: 81 Some diseases including cancers, and infections may be present but show no signs or symptoms and these are known as asymptomatic.
Symptomatology (also called semiology) is a branch of medicine dealing with the signs and symptoms of a disease.
[citation needed] Prior to the nineteenth century there was little difference in the powers of observation between physician and patient.
[51]: 82 A number of advances introduced mostly in the 19th century, allowed for more objective assessment by the physician in search of a diagnosis, and less need of input from the patient.
[65] Signs and symptomsSyndromeDisease Medical diagnosisDifferential diagnosisPrognosis AcuteChronicCure Eponymous diseaseAcronym or abbreviationRemission
