Though many conditions and diseases have a set of telltale symptoms, some only exhibit symptoms that are vague and common of many different conditions. In addition, while certain types of symptoms can indicate an underlying condition, they can also occur on their own for no known reason. Fortunately, the symptoms you experience and where in the body they occur can help you when it comes to determining the type of condition or illness you may have. For example, someone who is experiencing mild respiratory symptoms could have only a cold or cough, though their symptoms could also be an early war