Diary of Symptoms

You can help your doctor diagnose and treat your condition by being prepared to answer questions about your symptoms. Since some symptoms are difficult to describe, it is helpful to write down information about your symptoms as you experience them during your daily activities. While waiting for your appointment, keep a…

Share this article

Article Info

Author

Medical review

Adam Husney MDAnne C. Poinier MD

Last Updated

12/13/2018

Legal

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

Top of the page

Diary of Symptoms

Topic Overview

You can help your doctor diagnose and treat your condition by being prepared to answer questions about your symptoms. Since some symptoms are difficult to describe, it is helpful to write down information about your symptoms as you experience them during your daily activities.

While waiting for your appointment, keep a diary of your symptoms. This form may help.

Describe the symptom for which you are keeping this diary:

Day

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Time of day the symptom starts

Time of day the symptom bothers you the most

Does the symptom come and go during the day?

Is the symptom affected by any of the following:

  • Activity
  • Rest
  • Stress
  • Recent changes in your eating patterns, such as skipping meals
  • Prescription or over-the-counter medicines (name of medicine and time of day it affects your symptom)
  • Alcohol or caffeinated drinks (number and time)
  • Smoking or the use of other tobacco products

What other symptoms do you have:

Rate how you felt today:

1 – Great

2 – Okay

3 – Not good

4 – Bad

Other information about your symptom:

Credits

Current as ofDecember 13, 2018

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: Anne C. Poinier MD – Internal Medicine
Adam Husney MD – Family Medicine

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

Share this article

Article Info

Author

Medical review

Adam Husney MDAnne C. Poinier MD

Last Updated

12/13/2018

Legal

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.