Symptom Burden

Symptom burden refers to the overall impact of medical symptoms a person experiences, such as pain, fatigue, or difficulty breathing. It considers not just the presence of symptoms but also their severity, frequency, and how much they affect daily life. High symptom burden can lessen quality of life, making everyday activities challenging and emotional well-being harder to maintain. Healthcare providers assess symptom burden to better understand a patient’s condition and tailor treatment plans aimed at reducing discomfort and improving overall wellbeing.