The body’s built-in warning system, symptoms are the methods your immune system uses to communicate health problems and trigger the search for a cure. Many are easy to dismiss, but some can be signs of serious medical conditions. When they’re ignored, they can become more severe and even life-threatening.
It’s important to know the difference between signs and symptoms so you can decide when to call a doctor. Signs are sensations, like a sore throat or sneezing, and are usually accompanied by one or more of the following:
Symptoms are warning signals that your immune system has triggered an infection. They’re the first step toward a solution, but you should never ignore any sudden or significant changes.
A persistent cough that doesn’t improve after a few days may indicate pneumonia or another illness of the lungs, especially in children and those with a history of asthma. A fever, a sore throat and coughing also may indicate the common cold or influenza.
Pain in the chest or abdomen can indicate a problem, such as heart failure, gallstones or appendicitis. Unexplained puffiness in the legs or ankles can be a sign of kidney disease, thyroid issues or blood clots.
Severe diarrhea can dehydrate you, so drink clear liquids like water or broth in small sips. If you can’t keep anything down and are showing signs of dehydration, such as extreme thirst, dry mouth, dark urine or dizziness, get emergency care. Depending on your situation, you may need to be admitted to the hospital to receive intravenous fluids and medication.