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A symptom is an indication of an underlying disease or problem. Symptoms are subjective experiences reported by the patient, while signs are objective manifestations observable by a physician. For example, a sore throat can be a symptom of a cold.12

Pain is a common symptom that often requires treatment before its cause is identified. Pain can be influenced by emotional factors like anxiety and depression. Acute pain serves as a protective mechanism, while chronic pain is often more difficult to treat.3

The process of identifying the cause of symptoms is called diagnosis, which involves gathering information, developing a list of possible diseases (differential diagnosis), and ordering tests to refine the possibilities. Treatment aims to address the cause of the symptoms, but pain relievers (analgesics) are often used to manage pain when the cause is unknown or while treatment is ongoing.43

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