3.3 Signs & Symptoms
Your body usually runs in a steady, familiar way. When you feel unwell, it is a clue that something inside is not working as it should. Doctors read two kinds of clues to figure out what is wrong: symptoms and signs.
The Key Difference A symptom is something you feel — only you can report it. Examples: pain, tiredness, dizziness, nausea.
A sign is something that can be seen or measured — a doctor can observe it. Examples: fever (a measured high temperature), a rash, swelling, high blood pressure.
In short: symptoms are felt; signs are seen or measured. Together they help a doctor work out what is making you unwell.
Think of a fever. The ache and tiredness you feel are symptoms. The high temperature on the thermometer is a sign. The same illness shows up as both — but only the sign can be put on a chart.
Sort each clue below into Symptom (felt) or Sign (seen/measured).
Exam Tip A favourite one-mark question: “Give one example each of a symptom and a sign.” A safe answer: symptom = pain (or tiredness); sign = fever (or rash). Just remember the test — felt vs seen/measured.