A symptom diary can be a useful tool for recording symptoms. It can be used to monitor an existing health condition or general health.
A symptom diary can include further details, such as what helps to relieve symptoms, when they typically occur, and if anything appears to make them worse.
In this article, we will discuss what a symptom diary is in more detail, including the potential benefits of keeping one, some tips on how to start, and when a person should consider speaking with a doctor about their symptoms.
A symptom diary is a log of symptoms a person experiences. Keeping a record of symptoms can help a person gain a better understanding of them and may help with a diagnosis if a person needs to see a doctor.
A person can use a symptom diary to record symptoms of an existing health condition or to monitor their general health and log symptoms, such as headaches, menstrual cycle concerns, and gastrointestinal issues.
People may also find it useful to note if symptoms typically occur during a particular activity or at a certain time of the day. They may record anything that typically relieves their symptoms, any medication they take, food and drinks they consume, and anything that typically makes the symptoms worse.
Keeping a symptom diary may help a person better understand what is happening in their body. A person may already have a diagnosis of an existing health condition, or they may experience symptoms with a yet unknown cause.
For people with a diagnosed condition
If a person already has a diagnosis of a health condition, keeping a symptom diary can help them understand what may trigger or aggravate certain symptoms.
Recording each occurrence of a symptom allows them to look back over the diary and start to notice any consistencies. Therefore, they may be able to avoid anything that appears to trigger symptoms.
Keeping a symptom diary can also help a person with a health condition work out if there appears to be anything that helps to relieve symptoms. This can help a person manage their condition and may help them feel more in control of their health.
A symptom diary can help a person with a health condition to track if any new symptoms arise or if current symptoms appear to be getting worse. This may be useful when a person is discussing their condition with a doctor.
A 2017 study found there was an
For people who have not received a diagnosis
A person may be experiencing symptoms but not yet have a diagnosis.
Keeping a symptom diary can help a person monitor their general health and keep a detailed record of any symptoms. This may help a doctor later when making a diagnosis.
A 2021 study of people with multiple sclerosis (MS) suggests that keeping a symptom diary
To start a symptom diary, a person simply needs something to record the information. A person may wish to record their symptoms on paper, such as in a notebook or on a calendar.
However, a person
Once a person decides how they want to record the information, they may want to keep a watch or clock nearby to record the time at which symptoms occur.
According to Multiple Sclerosis – UK, some of the information a person may wish to record in a symptom diary can include:
- location of the symptom
- time the symptom occurs
- how long the symptom lasts
- time of the day the symptom is at its worst
- if the symptom is constant or fluctuates
- whether other factors, such as exercise, medications, or stress, appear to affect the symptom
- any food or drink a person consumes
- any alcohol or cigarettes a person uses
- details about the symptom, such as describing it and how it makes a person feel
- Iif anything helps to improve the symptom
When using a symptom diary to monitor general health, a person may notice new, frequent symptoms, or concerning symptoms. If a person notices anything they feel unsure about, they should speak with a doctor who can work out the underlying cause.
When keeping a symptom diary to monitor an existing health condition, a person may notice that symptoms appear to be getting worse or that new symptoms are developing.
People should discuss any new or worsening symptoms or any changes to symptom patterns with a healthcare professional.
People with chronic health conditions should
A symptom diary is a record of symptoms that a person may be experiencing.
A person may use a symptom diary to monitor symptoms of an existing health condition or to monitor their general health. A symptom diary may help a person better understand an existing health condition or may help aid the diagnostic process.
A person can include details of any symptoms that occur, such as the location of the symptom, what time it occurs, and how long it lasts.
A symptom diary can be a physical log such as a notebook or calendar. However, a person may prefer to use a symptom-tracking app or a spreadsheet.
If a person notices any new symptoms, worsening or severe symptoms, or changes in their symptom patterns, they should speak with a doctor. People should also speak with a healthcare professional if their symptoms are frequent or do not go away.