---
title: "Symptoms | HealthAnswers"
description: "Understand what common symptoms might mean and when to seek medical advice — medically reviewed by UK doctors."
url: https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/
robots: noindex
---

# Symptoms | HealthAnswers

Symptoms

Clear, calm explanations of what common symptoms can mean — and, just as importantly, when it is time to speak to a GP, call 111, or seek emergency help.

## ! If you're worried right now

This page gives general information and cannot diagnose you. If a symptom is severe, sudden, or getting worse, contact your GP or call NHS 111. In an emergency, call 999.

- [Anxiety symptoms](https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/anxiety-symptoms/) Anxiety causes persistent worry alongside physical symptoms such as palpitations and breathlessness; NHS talking therapies and medicines can help.
- [Back pain](https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/back-pain/) What causes back pain, what actually helps recovery, and the red flags that need urgent attention.
- [Bleeding after sex](https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/bleeding-after-sex/) Causes of bleeding after sex or between periods, STI and cervical checks, and why postmenopausal bleeding needs assessment.
- [Bleeding in pregnancy](https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/bleeding-in-pregnancy/) What spotting or bleeding during pregnancy can mean, who to contact by stage, and emergency signs such as severe pain or collapse.
- [Bloating](https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/bloating/) Bloating is a swollen, tight feeling in the tummy, usually caused by swallowed air, certain foods, constipation or IBS, and often eases with diet changes.
- [Blood in poo](https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/blood-in-poo/) Unexplained rectal bleeding in adults needs a GP. Piles are common but should not be assumed. Heavy bleeding, collapse or black tarry stool can be 999.
- [Blood in urine](https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/blood-in-urine/) Blood in urine (haematuria) can be caused by infection, kidney stones or, rarely, bladder or kidney cancer — see a GP the same day, even if it stops.
- [Blurred vision](https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/blurred-vision/) Blurred vision is often caused by needing new glasses, dry eyes, migraine or diabetes — sudden blurring with pain or vision loss needs emergency care.
- [Breast lump](https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/breast-lump/) Most breast lumps are benign — cysts and fibroadenomas are common — but any new breast lump, thickening or nipple change needs GP assessment within two weeks.
- [Breast pain](https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/breast-pain/) Common causes of breast pain, measures that may help, and breast changes that need urgent GP or NHS 111 assessment.
- [Bruising easily](https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/bruising-easily/) Easy bruising is often caused by ageing skin or blood-thinning medicines; unexplained bruises, bleeding gums or prolonged bleeding need GP blood tests.
- [Chest pain](https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/chest-pain/) What chest pain can mean, the emergency signs to act on immediately, and common non-serious causes.
- [Constipation](https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/constipation-symptom/) Constipation is usually caused by low fibre, inactivity or medicines and often improves with diet changes; a new change in bowel habit over 50 needs a GP check.
- [Cough](https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/cough/) Most coughs are viral and settle in about 3 weeks. Coloured mucus does not automatically mean antibiotics. Call 999 for severe breathlessness, chest pain or blue lips. See a GP if a cough lasts over 3 weeks, or you have blood, weight loss or voice change.
- [Coughing up blood](https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/coughing-up-blood/) What blood in phlegm can mean, why even small streaks need checking, and when heavy bleeding or breathlessness needs 999.
- [Dehydration](https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/dehydration/) Dehydration signs in adults, children and babies, how to replace fluids safely, and when reduced urine or drowsiness is urgent.
- [Diarrhoea](https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/diarrhoea/) Most diarrhoea is a short tummy bug. Replace fluids, stay off 48 hours after the last episode, and use 111 for blood, black stool or severe dehydration.
- [Difficulty swallowing](https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/difficulty-swallowing/) Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) can be caused by reflux, stroke or oesophageal cancer; progressive symptoms or weight loss need urgent assessment.
- [Dizziness](https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/dizziness/) Dizziness is usually caused by dehydration, standing up quickly, low blood sugar or an inner-ear problem; persistent or recurrent dizziness needs a GP check.
- [Dry mouth](https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/dry-mouth/) Dry mouth (xerostomia) is often caused by medicines, dehydration or mouth breathing; it raises the risk of tooth decay, and persistent cases need a GP review.
- [Earache](https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/earache/) Most earache settles in a few days with pain relief. In England, Pharmacy First can assess some cases. Discharge, babies, or swelling around the ear need 111 or 999.
- [Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)](https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/excessive-sweating/) Why you sweat so much — everyday causes, hyperhidrosis, treatments that actually help, and the warning signs that mean sweating needs a GP check.
- [Eye twitching](https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/eye-twitching/) Why your eye keeps twitching — the everyday triggers behind eyelid twitches, how to stop them, and the rare signs that need a GP or optician.
- [Fainting](https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/fainting/) Fainting (syncope) is a brief loss of consciousness caused by reduced blood flow to the brain — most faints are vasovagal and harmless, but some need checks.
- [Feeling sick (nausea)](https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/feeling-sick/) Feeling sick (nausea) is usually short-lived, caused by stomach bugs, motion sickness, anxiety, pregnancy or medicines — see a GP if it lasts days.
- [Fever in children](https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/fever-in-children/) A fever in children is 38°C or higher. Most settle in a few days. Any fever in a baby under 3 months needs prompt assessment — and a non-blanching rash is 999.
- [Frequent urination](https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/frequent-urination/) Frequent urination is commonly caused by urine infections, diabetes, an overactive bladder or an enlarged prostate — persistent symptoms need a GP review.
- [Hair loss](https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/hair-loss-symptom/) Hair loss is most often due to genetic pattern baldness or temporary shedding after stress or illness — patchy loss or a scarring scalp needs GP assessment.
- [Headache](https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/headache/) What different headaches can mean, common causes, and the warning signs that need urgent medical help.
- [Heartburn](https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/heartburn-symptom/) Heartburn is a burning chest discomfort caused by acid reflux — smaller meals and antacids usually help, but daily symptoms or weight loss need a GP review.
- [High temperature (fever)](https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/high-temperature/) What a fever in adults can mean, how to manage it at home, and when to get medical help.
- [Hip pain](https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/hip-pain/) Hip pain in adults is often caused by osteoarthritis or bursitis. Where it is felt helps find the cause, and being unable to bear weight after a fall needs A&E.
- [Hoarse voice](https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/hoarse-voice/) A hoarse voice is usually caused by laryngitis, reflux or vocal strain and clears within two weeks, but persistent hoarseness needs a GP assessment.
- [Hot flushes](https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/hot-flushes/) Hot flushes are sudden heat and sweating driven by falling oestrogen in the menopause — what triggers them, how HRT helps, and non-hormonal options.
- [Itchy eyes](https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/itchy-eyes/) Itchy eyes are usually caused by hay fever, dry eye or blepharitis, but a painful red eye with any vision change needs same-day eye assessment.
- [Itchy skin](https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/itchy-skin/) Itchy skin is usually caused by dry skin, eczema or hives, but persistent whole-body itching can signal liver, kidney or thyroid problems needing tests.
- [Jaundice](https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/jaundice/) Jaundice is yellowing of the skin and eyes from high bilirubin, with causes ranging from Gilbert's syndrome to liver disease and gallstones needing urgent care.
- [Joint pain](https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/joint-pain/) Joint pain is usually caused by injury, overuse or osteoarthritis and often eases with rest and simple painkillers. Persistent or swollen joints need a GP.
- [Knee pain](https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/knee-pain/) Knee pain is often caused by overuse, sports injury or osteoarthritis. Learn the common causes, self-care that helps, and when locking or swelling needs a GP.
- [Leg pain](https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/leg-pain/) Leg pain is usually caused by muscle strain or cramps, but one-sided swelling can signal DVT. Learn the common causes, self-care and when to get urgent help.
- [Loss of smell](https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/loss-of-smell/) Loss of smell (anosmia) is often caused by colds, COVID-19 or sinus problems and usually returns as you recover. Find out what helps and when to see a GP.
- [Loss of taste](https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/loss-of-taste/) Loss of taste is often really a loss of smell from a cold or COVID-19 — other causes include medicines and thrush. Know what helps and when to see a GP.
- [Low mood](https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/low-mood-symptom/) Low mood is common after stress and usually lifts, but feeling down most days for two weeks may be depression. Learn self-help steps and when to see a GP.
- [Lump in neck](https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/lump-in-neck/) A neck lump is most often a swollen gland after infection, but a painless lump lasting over two weeks needs GP assessment, especially in smokers.
- [Memory problems](https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/memory-problems/) Memory problems are often caused by stress, depression or normal ageing, but persistent decline that affects daily life needs a GP cognitive assessment.
- [Missed period](https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/missed-period/) A missed period is most often caused by pregnancy, stress, weight change, PCOS or thyroid disease — see a GP after three missed periods in a row.
- [Mole changes](https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/mole-changes/) A changing mole can be a sign of melanoma — use the ABCDE guide and see a GP urgently for any mole that changes shape, colour or size, or bleeds.
- [Muscle pain](https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/muscle-pain/) Muscle pain (myalgia) is usually caused by overuse, tension or viral illness and eases with rest — severe pain with dark urine needs urgent review.
- [Neck pain](https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/neck-pain/) Neck pain is usually caused by muscle strain or poor posture and settles within a few weeks — a stiff neck with fever needs urgent assessment for meningitis.
- [Night sweats](https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/night-sweats/) Night sweats are drenching sweats that soak your bedding, most often caused by menopause or infection; see a GP if they persist or come with weight loss.
- [Nosebleed](https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/nosebleed/) How to stop a nosebleed correctly, what to avoid afterwards, and when heavy or persistent bleeding needs emergency care.
- [Numbness and tingling](https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/numbness-and-tingling/) Numbness and tingling are usually caused by pressure on a nerve and pass quickly, but persistent or one-sided symptoms with weakness need a GP assessment.
- [Pain when peeing](https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/pain-when-peeing/) Burning when you pee may be a UTI or an STI. Pharmacy pathways are for some women only. Men, pregnancy and children need a GP. Kidney signs are urgent.
- [Palpitations](https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/palpitations/) Palpitations are an awareness of your heartbeat. Call 999 if they come with chest pain, severe breathlessness, collapse, or you feel very unwell.
- [Pelvic pain](https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/pelvic-pain/) Pelvic pain is pain in the lower tummy with many causes, from period pain and UTIs to endometriosis; sudden severe pain with fever needs emergency care.
- [Pins and needles](https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/pins-and-needles/) Pins and needles is a tingling feeling that is usually harmless after pressure on a nerve, but persistent tingling or sudden one-sided numbness needs help.
- [Postmenopausal bleeding](https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/postmenopausal-bleeding/) Any vaginal bleeding more than 12 months after periods stop needs checking, even once or only as spotting.
- [Rash](https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/rash/) What a rash can mean — common causes, how to soothe itchy skin, and when to seek urgent medical help.
- [Rashes in babies and children](https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/rashes-in-children/) Most rashes in babies and children are caused by viral infections, eczema or irritation and clear on their own. Call 999 if a rash does not fade when pressed.
- [Reduced baby movements](https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/reduced-baby-movements/) What to do if your baby is moving less or the usual pattern changes, and why you should call maternity services immediately.
- [Runny nose](https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/runny-nose/) A runny nose is usually caused by a cold, hay fever or sinusitis and clears on its own. See a GP if it lasts over three weeks, is one-sided or has blood in it.
- [Sciatica](https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/sciatica/) Sciatica is pain that travels from the lower back down the leg, usually caused by a bulging disc pressing on a nerve. Most cases improve in four to six weeks.
- [Shortness of breath](https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/shortness-of-breath/) Sudden severe breathlessness is 999. Ongoing breathlessn