What is Symptom Search?

Healthline's symptom search provides a unique way to navigate a restricted set of doctor reviewed Healthline articles. Entering a symptom or building a list of symptoms will lead you to articles about some possible causes. Symptom Search does not include every possible cause of symptoms, and it is NOT intended to be used as a diagnostic tool or self-help guide.

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Why did Healthline launch symptom search?

At some time in our lives, we or our loved ones experience health problems. When such issues arise, information empowers us to communicate better with our health care providers. We developed this product to help you research things you may be worried about. Our hope is that it helps you talk to your doctor about your concerns

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Why didn't I see the possible causes that I expected?

There are an infinite number of possible causes of symptoms and a limited number of health condition articles in this product--about 900 to be specific. If you started your research with a specific symptom, try using a more general symptom name. Also try pressing the "clear list button" on the upper list and entering your symptom again.

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Is this a doctor reviewed product?

Yes. Our team of medical professionals, including doctors and nurses has carefully researched each of these 900 possible causes for inclusion, and every health article has been written and/or reviewed by a doctor. Results have also been reviewed by several groups of medical professionals.

How do I find the symptom that I'm looking for?

While we have made every effort to provide a comprehensive list of symptoms and synonyms, our list is by no means complete. Three ways to enter and find symptoms are as follows.

1. Type Ahead Box on Left Enter the first few letters of the term that you are searching for (like "head" for headache) in the search box and look at suggested terms in the highlighted box below.
2. Pick From a List on Right Click on the menu to the right, review popular symptoms and click on one to make a selection.
3. Click on the Add Related Symptoms Button on the Upper Right A box will appear with additional choices. Click on a choice to add it to your symptom list.

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What other health issues should I discuss with a healthcare provider?

Other possible causes for unexplained symptoms that you might want to discuss with your doctor or healthcare provider would include

• Reactions to medications, including over the counter and prescription drugs, food supplements, herbs and their interactions.
• Recent injuries or immunizations.
• Exposure to environmental pollutants or allergy causing materials.

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Give an example of a narrowly defined symptom and a broadly defined one? Why would I use one versus the another?

"Worst headache ever" is a more specific version of the general symptom "headache", Entering the narrow term in symptom search provides fewer results articles to research than the broad term will provide. If you use a narrow symptom and don't see what you expect, try a broad version of the same symptom.

How many health conditions are included in symptom search?

Symptom search provides results for over 900 diseases and conditions--or 85% of those diseases and conditions which are likely to be detected over a five year period.

How did you select the health conditions included in symptom search?

Our first set of health conditions were selected based on a focused review of five years of CDC survey data. From this set of 130,000 coded diagnoses, we selected 900 diseases and conditions. These were reviewed by emergency room specialist, pediatrician and a variety of other doctors for completeness.