Symptoms
Understand common symptoms
General information from public health sources (NHS, MedlinePlus). It cannot tell you what is causing your symptom.
If you think it is an emergency, get help now.
- India: emergency 112; mental-health support 14416 or 1-800-891-4416 (Tele-MANAS (Government of India mental health helpline)).
- Anywhere else: call your local emergency number.
Pending clinical review Educational information from public health sources, pending clinical review. It is not a diagnosis or medical advice.
This page cannot tell you what is causing your symptom. Many different things, minor and serious, can cause the same symptom, and only a clinician who can examine you can assess it. The list of things a symptom can be associated with is in alphabetical order, not in order of how likely they are.
Browse symptoms
12 topics
- HeadachePain anywhere in the head. Most headaches go away on their own and are not a sign of something more serious; they can last from 30 minutes to several days.
- Fever (high temperature)A high temperature is usually considered to be 38°C or above. It is often the body fighting an infection, such as a cold or flu, and is not usually a sign of anything serious. This page is for adults; children and babies have separate guidance.
- CoughA cough usually clears up on its own within 3 to 4 weeks. A cough is rarely a sign of something serious.
- Sore throatSore throats are very common and usually get better by themselves within a week. They are usually caused by viruses such as a cold or flu.
- Stomach ache (abdominal pain)Pain in the stomach area. Most stomach aches are not anything serious and go away after a few days.
- DiarrhoeaLoose, watery poo. It is often caused by a stomach bug and usually stops within 5 to 7 days in adults. The most important thing is to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
- Nausea and vomitingFeeling sick (nausea) is common and usually goes away on its own. Vomiting usually stops within 1 or 2 days. If you are vomiting, drink fluids to avoid dehydration.
- ConstipationPooing less often than usual (fewer than 3 times in a week), or poo that is hard, dry or difficult to pass. It is common and often eased by changes to diet and routine.
- Heartburn and acid refluxA burning feeling in the middle of the chest caused by stomach acid travelling up towards the throat, sometimes with a sour taste. Symptoms are often worse after eating, when lying down and when bending over. Chest pain can also have other, serious causes.
- Tiredness and fatigueFeeling tired sometimes is normal. If you are tired all the time and do not know why, and it is not getting better, it may be a sign of a problem worth discussing with a clinician.
- DizzinessFeeling off-balance, giddy, lightheaded or faint, or as if you or things around you are spinning (vertigo). It is common and not usually serious.
- Chest painMost chest pain is not a sign of anything serious, but it can be a sign of a heart attack, so always get medical advice. Get emergency help immediately if you think you are having a heart attack.
This page is general education, not personal medical advice. For diagnosis, treatment or medicines, please talk to a qualified doctor, registered dietitian or pharmacist. Read our medical & AI disclaimer.