How to track symptoms on your iPhone
Your phone is already with you when something happens, which makes it a good place for symptom notes. The method matters less than writing the note close to the moment.
Pick one place
Any of these can work. Choose the one you will actually open:
- A single running note in the Notes app, newest entry at the top
- Apple's Health app, which has a Symptoms section with a set list of symptoms you can add
- A symptom app, if you want a body map, your own words and dates kept for you
What to record each time
A few details are enough:
- where it is, in your own words
- how strong it is, from 0 to 10, or mild, moderate or severe
- what it feels like
- what was going on around then
- anything you tried, and what happened afterwards
Keep the dates honest
Your phone dates each note when you save it. The day you first noticed a symptom can be earlier, so write that separately, or "not sure", rather than letting the first note stand in for it.
Make it quick
Put the app or note you chose on your Home Screen. If logging takes more than a few taps, it tends to stop after a week.
Before an appointment
Scroll back and pull out three things: what changed, when you first noticed it, and the one question you want answered.
- What changed:
- When I first noticed it, or "not sure":
- The first note I have is dated:
- What I want to ask:
To put your notes on one printable page, use the free visit summary.
Related guidance: NHS: preparing for an appointment
Keep dated notes in Ever Since
A symptom entry can include where it is, how strong it feels, and your own words. Each entry keeps the date it was logged. Symptom logging is included in the free plan.
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