UTI
Sore throat
Ear infection
Discharge
Diarrhea
Rash
Fever
Skin Infection
UTI Sore throat Ear infection Discharge Diarrhea Rash Fever Skin Infection
Explore your symptoms
Browse symptoms by body system to understand possible causes, learn when to seek medical advice and discover whether an online consultation may be right for you.
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A sore throat is one of the most common reasons people seek medical advice. It is usually caused by a viral infection, although bacterial infections such as strep throat or tonsillitis may require treatment.
Common causes
Influenza (flu)
COVID-19
Allergies
When should I speak to a doctor?
✔ Difficulty swallowing or breathing
✔ High fever
✔ Symptoms lasting more than 5 days
✔ Swollen neck glands or white patches on the tonsils
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Ear pain can affect both children and adults and may result from an ear infection, ear wax build-up, pressure changes or inflammation. Most cases improve with appropriate treatment, but persistent pain should be assessed.
Common causes
Ear infection (otitis media)
Ear wax
Swimmer's ear (otitis externa)
Pressure changes after flying
When should I speak to a doctor?
✔ Severe or worsening pain
✔ Hearing loss
✔ Ear discharge
✔ Fever
✔ Symptoms lasting more than 48 hours
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A swollen eyelid is a common symptom that may affect one or both eyes. It can develop suddenly or gradually and is often caused by irritation, allergies, a blocked eyelid gland or an infection. Most cases are mild, but some require prompt medical assessment.
Common causes
Stye (hordeolum)
Chalazion
Blepharitis
Allergic reaction
Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
Insect bite or minor injury
Periorbital cellulitis (infection around the eye)
When should I speak to a doctor?
✔ Increasing pain, redness or swelling
✔ Swelling lasting more than a few days
✔ Eye discharge or crusting
✔ Fever or feeling generally unwell
✔ Blurred vision or difficulty opening the eye
✔ Recurrent episodes of eyelid swelling
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Red eye is a common symptom that may be caused by conjunctivitis, allergies, irritation or infection. While many cases are mild, some require urgent medical attention.
Common causes
Allergies
Dry eyes
Eye irritation
Blepharitis
When should I speak to a doctor?
✔ Eye pain
✔ Blurred vision
✔ Sensitivity to light
✔ Eye injury
✔ Thick yellow or green discharge
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Eye pain may result from infection, inflammation, injury or increased pressure inside the eye. Persistent or severe eye pain should always be assessed promptly.
Common causes
Corneal abrasion
Dry eye syndrome
Glaucoma
Foreign body in the eye
When should I speak to a doctor?
✔ Sudden vision loss
✔ Severe pain
✔ Light sensitivity
✔ Eye injury
✔ Persistent redness
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A cough can be caused by viral infections, allergies, asthma or chest infections. Most coughs improve within a few weeks, but persistent or severe symptoms should be assessed by a doctor.
Common causes
Viral infection
Chest infection
Bronchitis
Asthma
Allergies
COVID-19
When should I speak to a doctor?
✔ Cough lasting more than 3 weeks
✔ Chest pain
✔ Difficulty breathing
✔ Coughing up blood
✔ High fever
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A runny or blocked nose is commonly caused by viral infections, allergies or sinus inflammation. Symptoms often improve on their own but may sometimes require treatment.
Common causes
Common cold
Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
Sinusitis
Influenza
COVID-19
When should I speak to a doctor?
✔ Symptoms lasting more than 10 days
✔ Severe facial pain
✔ Persistent fever
✔ Thick green discharge with worsening symptoms
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Fever can be caused by many different illnesses, from mild viral infections to bacterial infections. Most fevers improve within a few days, but some require medical assessment.
Common causes
• Influenza (flu)
• Urinary tract infection (UTI)
• Gastroenteritis
• COVID-19
When should I speak to a doctor?
✔ Fever lasting more than 3 days
✔ Fever above 39°C
✔ Severe pain or persistent vomiting
✔ Difficulty breathing
✔ You are pregnant or have significant medical conditions
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Burning when passing urine or needing to urinate more often than usual are common urinary symptoms. They are most often caused by a urinary tract infection (UTI), but may also be related to sexually transmitted infections (STIs), pregnancy, diabetes or irritation of the urinary tract. Although many cases are easily treated, persistent or severe symptoms should be assessed by a doctor.
Common causes
Urinary tract infection (UTI)
Sexually transmitted infection (STI)
Increased fluid or caffeine intake
Pregnancy
Diabetes
Overactive bladder
Vaginitis
Urinary tract irritation
When should I speak to a doctor?
✔ Burning or pain when urinating
✔ Blood in your urine
✔ Fever or chills
✔ Pain in your back or side
✔ Excessive thirst or unexplained weight loss
✔ Symptoms lasting more than 48 hours or recurring
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Blood in the urine (haematuria) is a symptom that should always be assessed by a doctor. While it may be caused by a urinary tract infection (UTI), kidney stones or strenuous exercise, it can occasionally indicate a more serious underlying condition.
Common causes
Urinary tract infection (UTI)
Kidney stones
Bladder or kidney infection
Strenuous exercise
Enlarged prostate (in men)
Kidney disease
When should I speak to a doctor?
✔ Any visible blood in your urine
✔ Fever or chills
✔ Pain in your back or side
✔ Difficulty passing urine
✔ Blood that persists or recurs
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Vaginal discharge is normal in many women, but changes in colour, smell or consistency may indicate an infection or other condition. A medical assessment can help identify the cause and determine whether treatment is needed.
Common causes
Thrush (yeast infection)
Bacterial vaginosis
Sexually transmitted infection (STI)
Hormonal changes
Normal physiological discharge
When should I speak to a doctor?
✔ Strong or unpleasant odour
✔ Green, yellow or grey discharge
✔ Pelvic pain or fever
✔ Bleeding after sex
✔ Pregnancy with abnormal discharge
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Vaginal itching is commonly caused by irritation or infection. Although many cases are mild, persistent itching or symptoms associated with discharge, pain or sores should be assessed by a doctor.
Common causes
Thrush (yeast infection)
Bacterial vaginosis
Allergic or irritant reactions
Sexually transmitted infection (STI)
Skin conditions such as eczema
When should I speak to a doctor?
✔ Persistent itching
✔ Abnormal vaginal discharge
✔ Pain or burning
✔ Genital sores or blisters
✔ Pregnancy
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Pelvic pain may arise from the urinary, reproductive or digestive system. While mild discomfort is often temporary, severe or persistent pelvic pain should be medically assessed to identify the underlying cause.
Common causes
Urinary tract infection (UTI)
Ovarian cyst
Menstrual pain
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
Endometriosis
Pregnancy-related conditions
When should I speak to a doctor?
✔ Severe or sudden pain
✔ Fever
✔ Heavy vaginal bleeding
✔ Pain during pregnancy
✔ Persistent or worsening symptoms
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A rash, sores or blisters around the genital area may be caused by infections, skin conditions or irritation. Some causes require prompt diagnosis and treatment, particularly if symptoms are painful or recurrent.
Common causes
Genital herpes
Genital warts
Fungal infection
Contact dermatitis
Syphilis
Skin irritation
When should I speak to a doctor?
✔ Painful blisters or ulcers
✔ Fever or swollen glands
✔ New rash after sexual contact
✔ Persistent or recurrent symptoms
✔ Difficulty passing urine
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If you think you may have been exposed to a sexually transmitted infection (STI), early medical advice and testing are important. Many STIs cause mild or no symptoms but can still be passed to others and may lead to complications if left untreated.
Common causes
Chlamydia
Gonorrhoea
Genital herpes
Syphilis
Human papillomavirus (HPV)
Trichomoniasis
When should I speak to a doctor?
✔ Unprotected sexual contact
✔ New genital discharge
✔ Pain when urinating
✔ Genital sores or rash
✔ A sexual partner has been diagnosed with an STI
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A rash is a change in the colour or texture of the skin that may appear as redness, bumps, blisters or itching. Most rashes are mild, but some may require medical assessment and treatment.
Common causes
Allergic reaction
Eczema
Viral infection
Fungal infection
Contact dermatitis
Heat rash
When should I speak to a doctor?
✔ Fever with a rash✔ Rapidly spreading rash
✔ Painful blisters
✔ Difficulty breathing or facial swelling
✔ Rash lasting more than a week
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Skin infections are commonly caused by bacteria, fungi or viruses and may lead to redness, swelling, warmth, pain or discharge. Early treatment can help prevent the infection from spreading.
Common causes
Cellulitis
Impetigo
Fungal skin infection
Infected insect bite
Infected wound
When should I speak to a doctor?
✔ Increasing redness or swelling✔ Fever
✔ Pus or discharge
✔ Severe pain
✔ Rapidly spreading infection
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Most insect bites cause mild redness, swelling and itching that settle within a few days. Occasionally, bites can become infected or trigger an allergic reaction requiring medical attention.
Common causes
Mosquito bite
Bee or wasp sting
Flea bite
Tick bite
Spider bite
When should I speak to a doctor?
✔ Difficulty breathing✔ Facial swelling
✔ Increasing redness or pain
✔ Fever
✔ Expanding rash after a tick bite
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Blisters are fluid-filled pockets that usually develop after friction, burns or minor injuries. Most heal naturally, although infected blisters may require treatment.
Common causes
Friction
Burns
Sunburn
Allergic reaction
Viral infection
When should I speak to a doctor?
✔ Signs of infection✔ Large or painful blisters
✔ Blisters covering a large area
✔ Blisters associated with fever
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Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) and usually appear as painful blisters around the lips or mouth. They often heal within 7–10 days but may recur.
Common causes
Herpes simplex virus (HSV-1)
Stress
Illness
Sun exposure
Reduced immunity
When should I speak to a doctor?
✔ First episode✔ Frequent recurrences
✔ Eye involvement
✔ Severe or widespread sores
✔ Weakened immune system
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Sunburn is caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Most cases are mild, but severe sunburn can lead to dehydration, blistering and heat-related illness.
Common causes
Prolonged sun exposure
Inadequate sun protection
High UV levels
Sunbed use
When should I speak to a doctor?
✔ Extensive blistering✔ Fever or chills
✔ Dizziness or dehydration
✔ Severe pain
✔ Signs of infection
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Abdominal pain is a common symptom that can range from mild discomfort to severe pain. It may be caused by digestive problems, infections or conditions affecting other organs in the abdomen.
Common causes
Gastroenteritis
Indigestion
Constipation
Urinary tract infection (UTI)
Gallstones
Appendicitis
When should I speak to a doctor?
✔ Severe or worsening pain✔ Persistent vomiting
✔ Fever
✔ Blood in your stool
✔ Pain during pregnancy
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Diarrhoea is the passage of loose or watery stools and is commonly caused by viral infections, food poisoning or changes in diet. Most cases improve within a few days, but dehydration can become a concern.
Common causes
Viral gastroenteritis
Food poisoning
Traveller's diarrhoea
Antibiotics
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
When should I speak to a doctor?
✔ Blood in your stool✔ Fever
✔ Severe dehydration
✔ Symptoms lasting more than 3 days
✔ Severe abdominal pain
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Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms that may result from viral infections, food poisoning, motion sickness or other medical conditions. Persistent vomiting can lead to dehydration and should be assessed.
Common causes
Viral gastroenteritis
Food poisoning
Pregnancy
Migraine
Motion sickness
Medication side effects
When should I speak to a doctor?
✔ Unable to keep fluids down✔ Vomiting blood
✔ Severe abdominal pain
✔ Fever
✔ Symptoms lasting more than 24–48 hours
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Constipation is a common digestive problem characterised by infrequent or difficult bowel movements. It is often related to diet or lifestyle but may occasionally indicate an underlying medical condition.
Common causes
Low-fibre diet
Dehydration
Reduced physical activity
Medication side effects
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
When should I speak to a doctor?
✔ Blood in your stool✔ Severe abdominal pain
✔ Persistent constipation
✔ Unexplained weight loss
✔ New constipation lasting more than 2 weeks
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Heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest caused by stomach acid flowing back into the oesophagus (acid reflux). It is common and often triggered by certain foods, large meals or lying down after eating.
Common causes
Acid reflux (GORD/GERD)
Large or fatty meals
Pregnancy
Obesity
Hiatus hernia
When should I speak to a doctor?
✔ Frequent heartburn✔ Difficulty swallowing
✔ Unexplained weight loss
✔ Vomiting blood or black stools
✔ Chest pain that is severe or persistent
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Fatigue is a feeling of persistent tiredness or lack of energy that does not improve with rest. It can be caused by infections, stress, poor sleep or underlying medical conditions.
Common causes
Viral infection
Poor sleep
Stress or anxiety
Anaemia
Thyroid disorders
Diabetes
When should I speak to a doctor?
✔ Fatigue lasting more than 2 weeks
✔ Unexplained weight loss
✔ Fever or night sweats
✔ Shortness of breath
✔ Fatigue affecting your daily activities
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Headaches are very common and are usually caused by tension, migraine or viral illnesses. However, sudden or severe headaches may require urgent medical assessment.
Common causes
Tension headache
Migraine
Viral infection
Sinusitis
Dehydration
Eye strain
When should I speak to a doctor?
✔ Sudden, severe headache
✔ Headache with fever or neck stiffness
✔ Persistent vomiting
✔ Vision changes
✔ Headache following a head injury
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Back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints. It is often caused by muscle strain or poor posture, although occasionally it may indicate a more serious condition.
Common causes
Muscle strain
Poor posture
Sciatica
Herniated disc
Kidney infection
Kidney stones
When should I speak to a doctor?
✔ Weakness or numbness in the legs
✔ Loss of bladder or bowel control
✔ Fever
✔ Severe pain after an injury
✔ Pain lasting more than 6 weeks
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Dizziness can describe feeling light-headed, unsteady or as though the room is spinning (vertigo). It may result from dehydration, inner ear problems or other medical conditions.
Common causes
Dehydration
Viral illness
Benign positional vertigo (BPPV)
Low blood pressure
Ear infection
Anxiety
When should I speak to a doctor?
✔ Fainting
✔ Chest pain
✔ Difficulty speaking
✔ Weakness or numbness
✔ Persistent or worsening dizziness
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Swollen glands are enlarged lymph nodes that usually develop as the body's response to an infection. They commonly occur in the neck, under the jaw, armpits or groin and often settle once the underlying illness improves.
Common causes
Viral infection
Tonsillitis
Dental infection
Ear infection
Skin infection
Mononucleosis (glandular fever)
When should I speak to a doctor?
✔ Swelling lasting more than 2–3 weeks
✔ Rapidly enlarging glands
✔ Fever or night sweats
✔ Unexplained weight loss
✔ Difficulty swallowing or breathing

