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What is the Difference Between a Sign & a Symptom?

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About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by Sanja Jelic, MD

Question: What is the Difference Between a Sign & a Symptom?

Answer: A sign is objective evidence of disease; it is something that can be seen.

Example: Cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin) is a common sign of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS).

A symptom is subjective evidence of disease; it is a feeling.

Example: Chest pain is a common symptom of Mesothelioma.

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