How to keep a symptom diary your doctor can use

Symptoms that come and go are hard to describe in a short appointment. A brief diary, kept for a few weeks, gives the doctor dates and details to work with.

From the Embrace team. Updated October 29, 2026.

The short answer: Each time a symptom happens, write the date and time, how long it lasted, what it felt like and where, how strong it was from 0 to 10, and what happened just before. Bring a two- or three-line summary to the appointment.

What to write each time

the date and time it started, and how long it lasted
what it felt like, in plain words, and where in the body
how strong it was, on a scale from 0 to 10
what was happening just before, such as a meal, activity, poor sleep, stress or a new medicine
what you did about it, and whether that helped

A line or two each time is enough. Write it down when it happens, or the same evening, while the details are still clear.

If a symptom is sudden or severe, get medical help first. The diary can wait.

Add photos and readings

For anything you can see, such as a rash, swelling or a bruise, take a photo the day it appears and again a few days later, with a coin or ruler beside it for size. If you already use a home thermometer, blood pressure cuff or glucose meter, write the reading next to the symptom. Ask the doctor which readings, if any, would help.

Keep one diary per person

If you keep notes for a child or a parent as well as yourself, keep each person's diary separate. Nothing gets mixed up when you hand it over, and each doctor sees only the notes that belong to their patient.

Bring a summary to the appointment

Before the visit, read the diary over and write two or three lines at the top: how often it happens, how strong it usually is, and anything that seems to come before it. Hand over the summary first. The doctor can read the detail if they need it. The appointment checklist lists what else to bring.

Common questions

How long should I keep a symptom diary before an appointment?

Keep it until the appointment, or for as long as your doctor asks. Even a week or two of dated notes gives the doctor something exact to work with.

Should I keep a symptom diary on paper or in an app?

Either works if you write in it each time. An app keeps the dates for you, holds photos, and can make a copy to hand to the doctor.

Can I keep a symptom diary for my child or parent?

Yes. Keep a separate diary for each person, so nothing gets mixed up when you hand it over.

What if a symptom is sudden or severe?

Get medical help first. The diary can wait.

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