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š¬ Think about it
When a phone has a problem, it shows a warning sign or feels hot. Your body does the same. It gives clues like pain, fever, or tiredness when something is wrong. Some clues you feel, others can be seen. How do we tell the two apart? Let's find out.
How do we know we are unwell?
Is it a symptom or a sign?
Feeling unwell
The body gives clues
Symptom
What we feel
Example:
Pain
Tiredness
Dizziness
Sign
Seen or measured
Example:
Fever
Rash
High blood pressure
Swelling
- Our body usually works in a certain steady way.
- When unwell, something inside is not working as it should.
- The body then shows symptoms and signs.
What is the difference between a symptom and a sign?
Symptom
Sign
What we
feel
inside.
What can be
seen or measured
.
Example: pain, tiredness, dizziness.
Example: fever, rash, swelling.
Only the patient notices it.
A doctor can check it too.
- A symptom is what we feel, like pain, tiredness, or dizziness.
- A sign is something that can be seen or measured.
- Signs include fever, rash, high blood pressure, or swelling.
Important Points
- Symptoms are what we feel; signs can be seen or measured.
- Pain is a symptom; fever is a sign.
- Signs and symptoms help doctors find out what is wrong.
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Test Yourself
-
What is a symptom?
View Answer
Something we feel, like pain or tiredness. -
What is a sign?
View Answer
Something that can be seen or measured, like fever. -
Is pain a sign or a symptom?
View Answer
A symptom. -
Is fever a sign or a symptom?
View Answer
A sign. -
Who use signs and symptoms to help us?
View Answer
Doctors, to find out what is making us unwell.
Important Definitions
- Symptom — Something we feel when unwell, such as pain or tiredness.
- Sign — Something that can be seen or measured, such as fever or a rash.
