Changes

A [[symptom]] is a sign that forebodes some much greater problem. The term originated in [[medicine]], but has been linguistically expanded to describe [[society|social]] problems as well.

A '''symptom''' is a sign that forebodes some much greater problem. The term originated in [[medicine]], but has been linguistically expanded to describe [[society|social]] problems as well.

In medicine, the term usually refers to a side effect of a more significant medical condition such as a [[disease]] or bodily malfunction. Usually, just one symptom is not enough for doctors to prognose the problem; it often takes several simultaneous symptoms for the doctor to isolate which disease the patient has. For example, [[nausea]] can indicate any number of medical conditions, from [[Gulf War syndrome]] to [[pregnancy]]. However, when combined with the symptoms of fatigue, [[vomit]]ing, internal bleeding, and low white blood cell count, it is almost certain the patient is suffering from [[radiation]] poisoning. After such an educated guess, doctors may then verify the disease by performing medical tests.

In medicine, the term usually refers to a side effect of a more significant medical condition such as a [[disease]] or bodily malfunction. Usually, just one symptom is not enough for doctors to prognose the problem; it often takes several simultaneous symptoms for the doctor to isolate which disease the patient has. For example, [[nausea]] can indicate any number of medical conditions, from [[Gulf War syndrome]] to [[pregnancy]]. However, when combined with the symptoms of fatigue, [[vomit]]ing, internal bleeding, and low white blood cell count, it is almost certain the patient is suffering from [[radiation]] poisoning. After such an educated guess, doctors may then verify the disease by performing medical tests.