Medical conditions often have signs and symptoms. Signs can be observed and described by others, while symptoms are only felt and can only be described by the person experiencing the disease. The terms are not interchangeable.
Example: Early signs of Parkinson disease can include tremor, small handwriting, and hypomimia. Many patients also report symptoms such as loss of smell and constipation.
When writing for a lay audience, signs and symptoms may need to be defined for the reader.
Example: Early observable indications, or signs, of Parkinson disease include tremor, small handwriting, and reduced facial expression. Many patients also report experiencing symptoms including loss of smell and constipation.
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