Dr. Apple's Symptoms Encyclopedia

We all like to feel well, so much so that we take our bodies for granted until something goes wrong. Then we enter the uncertain world of symptoms. Some symptoms matter, and some don’t--the skill is to tell the difference. This book will help readers understand what is going on in their body and begin their journey to recovery.Dr. Apple’s Symptoms Encyclopediaaims to make sense out of the complex world of symptoms. It does this by revealing how a doctor thinks when faced with patients telling their stories—that is, by ranking the possible diagnosis in terms of probability. For the first time in a popular medical guide, all the symptoms one might reasonably experience are put into perspective.Everybody needs this book because some symptoms may be early warning signs of serious illness. The information here can free readers of unnecessary worry but also lets them know when to seek medical advice. By arming themselves with knowledge and engaging positively in the process of diagnosis, readers can act proactively in their own health care.

Dr. Apple was chairman of the Medical Writers Group and the Society of Authors from 2005 to 2006, and has been in practice since 1980. Dr. Payne-James is a forensic medical examiner for the Metropolitan Police and the City of London Police, and has authored a number of books including The Encyclopedia of Forensic and Legal Medicine.