Most of us go online to research why we're feeling a certain way. We wonder if we're sick, what it might be and if we might die.

Once we land on a page detailing the signs and symptoms of a particular ailment, it can be confusing. How do we know the difference between a sign and a symptom?In medical terms, a symptom is subjective (can only be described by the person feeling them) while a sign is objective (can be seen). Signs are what a doctor (and other people) sees; symptoms are what a patient experiences.Medical professionals use symptoms and signs as clues to determine the most likely diagnosis. The clues helps physicians to know which tests to order.Medical signs aren't always seen or read with the eyes. They are read by touch or by listening. Is your daughter scratching her arm (sign)? She must feel itchy (symptom).However, medical conditions can use both to identify what is wrong. Heart attack victims may complain of symptoms, pain or pressure in the chest and arm, and show signs, clutching the arm or chest, pale face, sweating, abnormal heart rate and high blood pressure. So, pay attention to both.Here's a quiz to test your medical knowledge (courtesy AARP). Correct answers are at end.Can you name that symptom?1. What condition causes the inability to digest the sugar found in milk?• Irritable bowel syndrome• Celiac disease• Lactose intolerance• Hypoglycemia2. A loss of appetite, indigestion, and abdominal bloating links to:• Colitis• Gallstones• Colic• Menopause3. What is tinnitus?• A ruptured eardrum• An inner ear infection• A ringing in your ear• A metallic aftertaste4. What could a change in personality indicate?• Alzheimer's disease• Pituitary tumor• Stroke• All of the above5 Which of these is not a typical symptom of irritable bowel syndrome?• Gas• Loss of appetite• Diarrhea• Back pain6. What is the term for the condition that causes patchy hair loss?• Eczema• Alopecia areata• Contact dermatitis• Scabies7. Which heart attack symptom do women overlook?• Fever• Fatigue• Skin rash• Ringing in the ears8. Dry mouth, lack of tears, diarrhea, and lethargy are all signs of• Heart attack• Stroke• Dehydration• High cholesterol9. Which is not a symptom of sleep apnea?• Increased appetite• Snoring• Shortness of breath• Headache10. Which is a common symptom of glaucoma?• Double-vision• A loss of peripheral vision• Red or itchy eyes• Sensitivity to lightCorrect answers1. Lactose intolerance; 2. Gallstones; 3. A ringing in your ear; 4. All of the above; 5. Back pain; 6. Alopecia areata; 7. Fatigue; 8. Dehydration; 9. Increased appetite; 10. A loss of peripheral vision.Carol Marak is the editor at SeniorCare.com. She may be contacted at

Carol@SeniorCare.com.