- Health topics
- Signs and symptoms
Signs and symptoms
Breathing difficulties
It's often difficult to tell the difference between a symptom and a medical condition - do you just have indigestion or is it a stomach ulcer? Does your blurred vision have a simple explanation or should you get checked out for type 2 diabetes? Take a look through the expert information below covering some of the most common medical symptoms, to understand more about the cause of your problem.
Signs and symptoms
Tiredness
by Dr Rachel Hudson, MRCGP
Bones, joints and muscles
Muscle weakness
by Dr Philippa Vincent, MRCGP
Digestive health
Left upper quadrant pain
by Dr Hayley Willacy, FRCGP
Signs and symptoms
Lumps in the groin
by Dr Colin Tidy, MRCGP
Related articles
Breathing difficulties
Struggling to catch your breath? Breathing problems can have many causes. Learn when it’s an emergency and what treatments are available to help.
Chest pain
Chest pain can be worrying. Learn how to tell the difference between muscular strain and serious causes like heart or lung conditions that need urgent care.
Cough
A cough that won’t go away can be irritating—or a sign of something more serious. Learn about common causes and when to see your doctor.
Dizziness
Feeling unsteady or faint? Dizziness has many causes. Learn when it’s harmless and when it could signal a problem needing urgent care.
Fever
A raised temperature is usually a sign of infection. Learn when a fever needs home care and when it’s safer to seek medical attention.
Headache
Headaches are extremely common and range from mild tension-type pains to severe cluster headaches. Most are harmless, stemming from stress, dehydration, poor posture, or lack of sleep.
Joint pain
Painful joints can result from injury, overuse, or arthritis. Learn what causes joint pain and which treatments or exercises can help ease symptoms.
Lumps and bumps
Lumps or bumps can be alarming. Learn about common causes, what’s harmless, and when to get any changes checked by your doctor.
Other signs and symptoms
Not every symptom fits neatly into a category. Learn how doctors investigate unexplained symptoms and when you should seek advice.
- Abdominal masses
- Achalasia
- Apathy
- Cancer symptoms
- Chronic pain
- Common causes of bad breath
- Dehydration
- Dry eyes
- Dry mouth
- Earache
- Early pregnancy signs and symptoms
- Globus sensation
- Halitosis
- Heat rash and prickly heat
- Hernia
- Hiccups
- Hyperhidrosis
- Hypoglycaemia
- Itching
- Itchy bottom
- Jaundice
- Loss of appetite
- Loss of taste and smell
- Nausea and vomiting
- Neck pain
- Night sweats
- Nosebleed
- Persistent rhinitis
- Pins and needles
- Psychosis
- Sweaty feet
- Tinnitus
- Trapped wind, gas and bloating
- Vaginal dryness
- Vomiting blood
- Watering eyes
Swelling
Swelling in legs, arms or elsewhere can have many causes. Learn when swelling is temporary and when it might be a sign of something serious.
Tiredness
Feeling constantly tired? Learn about possible causes, from sleep issues to medical conditions, and what steps you can take to regain your energy.
Urinary tract symptoms
Pain, urgency, or changes in urine flow? Learn about common urinary symptoms and what they could mean for your health.
