What is a symptom, according to medical definitions?

A symptom, in medical terminology, refers to something that patients report experiencing. This includes sensations or changes in the body that are subjective in nature, such as pain, fatigue, or dizziness. They are personal experiences that cannot be directly observed or measured by healthcare providers. Patients typically describe their symptoms to healthcare professionals to help diagnose their condition and guide treatment.

In contrast, visible bleeding, while an observable sign, is not something a patient reports but rather what is seen by a healthcare provider. A condition caused by infection refers to the diagnosis itself rather than the subjective experience of the patient. Similarly, a physical examination result, such as a healthcare provider noting a swollen lymph node, is an objective finding rather than a symptom reported by the patient. Thus, the focus on the patient's perspective aligns with the definition of a symptom.