A symptom is an expression of pain or discomfort, and/or other changes in the body’s normal function. Physicians must be able to transform subjective patient symptoms into objective signs that indicate some medical disease. They must be able to describe the character, onset, duration, and progression of the symptoms. The term symptom is derived from the Latin symptoma, meaning “sign,” or “trait” that reveals some aspect of a medical condition.
Headache is the most common symptom of illness and can occur infrequently (episodic), frequently (chronic) or constantly (chronic tension-type headache, cluster headaches). It feels like pressure on the head or neck. It may also include tenderness or sensitivity to light and sound, a feeling that the neck and shoulders are tight or swollen, a ringing in the ears or eyes, and fatigue.
During the first few days of a cold, symptoms usually develop quickly. The sick person spreads the virus by airborne droplets that are coughed or sneezed into the air and inhaled by others. People can also catch a cold from touching a contaminated surface (like a doorknob) and then touching their nose or mouth.
When a symptom persists or worsens, it should be reported to the doctor immediately. The doctor can then perform a physical exam to evaluate the symptom. Using diagnostic tools, such as a spirometer or ophthalmoscope, the doctor can check for damage to the body’s structures. The doctor can also use a device called a sphygmomanometer to measure blood pressure.
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