If you’ve ever ignored signs or symptoms thinking they would just go away, this post is for you.

Everyone is different. Some individuals will schedule an appointment with a doctor at the first sign of a sniffle. Others will postpone medical attention even when the symptoms could be linked to dangerous conditions

In the medical world, a sign is something that can be seen by others. For instance, a rash may be a sign of a skin condition, while an elevated blood sugar level may indicate diabetes. It can be observed or measured by others, including your family and doctor.

Symptoms, on the other hand, are only apparent to the person who is experiencing them and cannot be seen or measured. A ringing in the ear may be a symptom of tinnitus – but no one else can hear it. Symptoms indicate when something is wrong in your body. It could be an illness, injury, or medical condition.

Doctors refer to symptoms in three categories.

remitting – symptoms that improve or go away completely
relapsing – symptoms previously experienced and resolved, but return again
chronic – symptoms that are long-lasting