Table 1. Frequency of Symptoms as Principal Reason for Clinic Visits*
Symptom Number of Visits Annually in U.S.
Respiratory 86 million (35%)
Cough
25.0 million
Ear symptoms 24.0 million
Throat symptoms17.0 million
Head cold, coryza8.7 million
Nasal congestion8.6 million
Sinus problems2.8 million
Pain 105 million (43%)
Musculoskeletal pain 69 million (28%)
Back or low back symptoms19.8 million
Knee symptoms9.8 million
Neck symptoms8.1 million
Leg symptoms6.3 million
Foot and toe symptoms6.0 million
Shoulder symptoms5.5 million
Hand and finger symptoms5.2 million
Hip symptoms2.8 million
Arthritis2.8 million
Wrist symptoms2.7 million
Other pain 36 million (15%)
Stomach pain12.3 million
Headache 9.6 million
Chest pain8.4 million
Pain, other5.8 million
Other 54 million (22%)
Eye symptoms16.2 million
Depression or anxiety12.0 million
Dizziness or vertigo5.7 million
Fatigue4.5 million
Diarrhea4.0 million
Dyspnea3.7 million
Vaginal symptoms2.7 million
Dysuria2.6 million
Vomiting2.5 million
* Adapted from Schappert SM. National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey