Symptoms

Pain is a part of life, but it shouldn't stop you from living. Learn about the types of pain including back pain, headaches, and swelling in the groin, as well as pain relief.

Adrenal fatigue is not a medical condition. It is a term used to explain tiredness. Learn what to do if you are diagnosed and when to see a doctor.

Anosmia is the medical term for loss of smell. It is often age-related. Find out more about the causes, diagnosis and complications of anosmia.

If you have ongoing worries that cause distress and stop you from doing things, you may have an anxiety disorder. Find out about managing anxiety.

Anxiety in children can cause distress. Learn about symptoms of anxiety and anxiety disorders in children, and how to help a child with anxiety.

Anxiety and anxiety disorders can impact your teenager’s life. Find out more about the symptoms, treatment and how to help your teen with anxiety.

Suicidal thoughts are thoughts about wanting to end your life. If you're experiencing suicidal thoughts, there is help and support available.

Bedwetting can happen when children don't wake up when they need to urinate (do a wee). Learn how to help your child aged 6 or over stay dry.

A black eye is a bruise in the tissues around the eye. It's a good idea to get it checked by a doctor to rule out more serious eye injuries.

A blackout, or fainting, is a temporary loss of consciousness. It’s sometimes caused by a serious issue. Learn more about what to do if you blackout.

Vaginal bleeding between periods is a common symptom. Find out what can cause bleeding between your periods and when you should see your doctor.

Bleeding gums and dental bleeding can be caused by gum disease, a dental procedure or an injury. Read about how to prevent and treat dental bleeding.

A blister is a painful sore where fluid forms between top layers of skin. Learn more on how to treat blisters and when to see a doctor.

Bloating is when your tummy feels swollen. Bloating is common, but if you often feel bloated you should see a doctor. Learn more about bloating here.

You might get a blocked nose when you have a virus, allergy, deviated septum or polyps. Learn how to treat it at home and when to see a doctor.

Blood in your semen (haematospermia) can be alarming, but it is usually not serious. It will pass within a few days. Find out about blood in semen.

Blood in your stool (poo) can indicate a serious problem. Find out more about the causes of blood in your poo and what you should do about it.

There are many causes of blood in urine (wee), also called haematuria. Read about the causes, tests and when to see your doctor about blood in urine.

Blurred vision can happen due to fatigue or eye irritation, but it may also mean there is a serious issue. Learn what to do for sudden blurry vision.

Brain fog is a term used to describe difficulty with thinking and memory. Read more about the possible causes, symptoms and treatment of brain fog.

Burping is when air escapes from your stomach or food pipe through your mouth. It's normal, but excessive or painful burping signal a health problem.

Eating more or less than usual, and gaining or losing weight suddenly may be a sign you need to see a doctor. Learn more on why your appetite changes.

Chest tightness and discomfort can be caused by many things. Learn more about the causes and treatment of chest tightness and how to prevent it.

Choking is when something gets stuck in your windpipe and fully or partly blocks it. Read about choking first aid and what to do in an emergency.

Collapsing has a range of causes, often occurring because of fainting. Find out about the causes of collapse and what to do if someone collapses.

Confusion can be temporary, but sometimes it's a permanent state caused by a medical condition. Here are things you can do to help manage confusion.

Constipation in children is common and is not usually serious. Learn more about the symptoms, causes and treatment of constipation in children.

Dealing with a family break-up, separation or divorce can leave you feeling hurt, angry, relieved or confused. Get tips on how to cope with a break-up.

Most coughs are caused by viruses that inflame your throat, windpipe or lungs. Here are tips on how to relieve chesty, dry and persistent coughs.

A cyst is a sac filled with fluid or semi-solid material. Find out about different types of cysts, where they can be, their symptoms and treatments.

Read about delusions (false beliefs that someone holds even when they can’t be real), possible causes and how to help someone with delusions.

Diarrhoea in adults may last a just few days, or it might be a symptom of something more serious. Learn about the causes and treatments for diarrhoea.

Diarrhoea in children is very common. It can sometimes be serious. Read more here to find out about the causes, symptoms and treatments.

Disorientation is what you experience when you are confused about the time, where you are or even who you are. It is often a symptom of dementia.

Being dizzy can make you feel light-headed, unsteady or weak. Read about the causes and symptoms of dizziness, and how to manage symptoms.

Dry eyes is a common problem that happens when your eyes don't make enough tears. Read about the symptoms, causes and treatments for dry eyes.

Find out about the symptoms, causes and diagnosis of dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), when to see your doctor and how this problem can be treated.

Excessive sweating, also known as hyperhidrosis, is quite common. Treatments can help lessen the impact of sweating on your life.

It is normal to feel worried about some situations. Excessive worry is constant and impacts your everyday life. Learn how to manage excessive worry.

Eye discharge can indicate an infection and can be caused by a number of conditions. Learn more about what to do if you have eye discharge.

Eye strain can happen when you use your eyes to concentrate on something for too long. Learn about what you can do to prevent eye strain.

Facial droop can cause your face to look asymmetrical (uneven). Moving your facial muscles may be difficult. Call 000 if you have a facial droop.

Faecal incontinence is when you have trouble controlling your bowel. Find out about the symptoms, causes, self-care and other treatments.

Fainting is a temporary loss of consciousness when the blood flow to the brain is reduced. See your doctor if you faint, especially the first time.

Fatigue is when you feel exhausted and have no energy. Read about the possible causes of fatigue, some self-care tips and when to seek help.

Febrile seizures are convulsions that can happen in children when they have a fever. Find out more about symptoms and what to do when this happens.

Restlessness may affect you mentally or physically. If depression or anxiety are causing you to feel restless, here are some tips that may help.

Low self-esteem or feelings of worthlessness can happen to anyone. Learn more about what to do if you are feeling worthless, and where to get support.

A fever is a body temperature of 38℃ or higher, usually caused by an infection. Learn more about the symptoms, treatment and when to see a doctor.

When should a child with a fever see a doctor? How do I treat a fever at home? Answer these questions and more with this infographic about fever in children.

Fevers are common in children and are usually caused by infection. Find out how to help your child when they have a fever and when to see your doctor.

Flatulence is the passing of air or gas from the intestine and through the anus, often accompanied by a sound and smell. Read more about flatulence.

Fluid from your ear may be just ear wax, but sometimes it can indicate illness or injury. Read more here about the causes and treatments of ear fluid.

Fluid retention (oedema) is when you have a build-up of fluid in your body. Find out about the causes, symptoms and treatments for fluid retention.

Do you often need to visit the bathroom to wee, including at night? Learn more about the causes of frequent urination and how it can be treated.

Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding can lead to vomiting blood or passing blood in stools. GI bleeding can be serious and may need emergency treatment.

Learn about groin irritation and infection, including symptoms, causes and treatment options, and when to see your doctor.

Haemoptysis (hemoptysis) is when you cough up blood from your lungs or airways. Read about the causes and when to seek emergency help for haemoptysis.

A hallucination is when you see, hear or sense things that aren’t there but feel very real to you. Learn more about the causes and treatments.

A heart murmur is an irregular sound heard when listening to the heart. Some heart murmurs are a sign of a heart condition, but others are not.

When you have heart palpitations, you are suddenly aware of your heartbeat. Read about the causes, symptoms and when to see your doctor.

Heartburn is a burning pain or discomfort in the chest caused by acid reflux. Find out about the triggers for heartburn and how to relieve it.

Heat rash is also called sweat rash and prickly heat. Heat rash may be itchy, with small red spots. Learn more about how to treat heat rash.

Heavy periods (menorrhagia) are when you lose a lot of blood during your period. Learn about the causes, symptoms and management of heavy periods.

Hiccups can be caused by overeating, stress or carbonated drinks. Learn what causes hiccups, how to manage them, and when to see a doctor.

Hot flushes are a normal symptom of menopause. If hot flashes impact your daily activities or sleep, treatment is available from your doctor.

Indigestion (dyspepsia) is a discomfort in your chest or tummy which usually happens after eating or drinking. Learn about treatments which can help.

An ingrown toenail can cause pain and discomfort. It usually affects your big toe. Find out more about symptoms and treatment of an ingrown toenail.

Irregular periods are periods that don’t follow a regular pattern. Read about causes and symptoms of irregular periods and when to see your doctor.

Occasional irritability is normal. If you feel irritable or on edge all the time, it may be a symptom of a physical or mental health disorder.

Itchy anus, also known as pruritus ani, is characterised by a constant urge to scratch the anus. Read about causes, treatment and when to see a doctor.

There are many different reasons why your head is itchy. Learn more about the causes and treatment options available for itchy scalp.

Itchy skin, or pruritis, is a common irritation. It can be very frustrating. Understand different types of itchy skin and how to ease your discomfort.

Jaundice is yellowing of your skin and whites of your eyes. Find out about the causes and symptoms of jaundice, and how the cause can be diagnosed.

Lightheadedness or feeling woozy is when you feel like fainting or passing out. Know when to see your doctor and how to manage lightheadedness.

Numbness in the limbs is common, especially if you've been sitting or sleeping awkwardly. If it continues over a long period, you should see a doctor.

Your muscles may become weaker as you get older or because of health problems. Read about causes of muscle loss and how diet and exercise can help.

If you have a lump under your arm, it could be enlarged glands. Find out about the causes of a lump in your armpit and what to do if you find one.

Motion (or travel) sickness is when you feel unwell due to movement on any type of transport. Find out how to prevent and treat motion sickness.

Nausea is the feeling you get when you think you will vomit. It usually doesn’t mean anything serious. Learn how you can make yourself feel better.

Night sweats may be a sign of a medical condition or may be caused by a medicine. Find out more about night sweats, common causes and treatments.

Is it just a bad mood or something more serious? This guide may help you understand if it's time for you or a loved one to seek help.

Most nosebleeds do not last long and are very mild. Find out what can cause a nosebleed and what to do if you or your child has one.

Penis irritation and inflammation can occur for several reasons. Learn more about this condition, its treatment and how to prevent it.

Post-nasal drip is when mucus drips down your throat, causing a cough. Treat by addressing the cause and staying hydrated.

Find out what causes rectal bleeding, what different blood colours mean and when you should get medical help.

Resting heart rate is the number of times your heart beats per minute when you are at rest. Learn what's normal for heart health and how to check it.

Runny nose, also called rhinorrhoea, can be caused by things like allergies, colds and flu. Learn how to treat and prevent a runny nose.

Separation anxiety is common in young children. Separation anxiety disorder is an anxiety disorder that can affect children and adults. Find out more.

Shock is when not enough blood circulates around the body to deliver oxygen to your organs. It can be fatal. Learn how to help someone with shock.

Shortness of breath (dyspnoea) is when you feel like you cannot get enough air into your lungs. Find out what to do if you have difficulty breathing.

Your mental health includes your emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Learn to recognise signs of a mental health issue.

Sneezing is your body’s way of removing irritants from your respiratory tract. Learn more about the causes of sneezing and when to see a doctor.

Although stools (faeces or poo) can vary, you should pay attention to what your stools look like. Learn more about what changes you should look out for.

Discover what stress is, how it affects you and how to manage it effectively. Learn about stress symptoms, causes, and tips for relief and prevention.

Learn about stress in young people: it’s causes, symptoms, and tips for managing academic, personal, and social pressures effectively.

Summer rashes can be caused by things like sunlight, insects, sweating and overheating - especially if you have allergies or other pre-existing skin conditions.

A swollen or puffy eye can be caused by allergies, infections or injuries. Find out when to see your doctor, optometrist or pharmacist.

Swollen gums become red and inflamed. They may also bleed easily. Learn more about the possible causes, treatment and prevention of swollen gums.

Swollen lymph nodes, or glands, often signal infection. Learn common causes, when to see a doctor and how they are diagnosed and treated.

A swollen or painful testicle is when one or both of your testicles becomes enlarged or tender. Learn more about the causes, diagnosis and treatment.

If your child has a serious illness, it's important to get medical attention quickly. Learn how to recognise the symptoms and know what to do.

Tachycardia (if your heart beats very fast, more than 100 beats per minute) can be a normal response to exercise or stress or a sign of disease.

If you have ringing or other strange noises in your ears, you may have tinnitus. Read more about the symptoms, causes and treatments of tinnitus.

A twitching eye can be annoying but usually gets better on its own. Find out what may be causing your eye twitch and when to see your doctor.

Urinary retention - not being able to fully empty your bladder - can happen gradually or suddenly. Find out about the symptoms, causes and treatments.

It's important to drink plenty of water every day to stay healthy. Use this urine colour chart to assess how hydrated you are.

Learn about vulva or vaginal irritation and infection, common causes, symptoms, treatments and self-care tips to relieve itching and discomfort.

Some vaginal discharge is usually healthy. Learn more about what's normal, what's a sign of infection and when you should see a doctor.

Vaginal dryness is most common in females who have gone through menopause. Read more about the symptoms and treatments for vaginal dryness.

Vertigo is a feeling of spinning or falling when your body is not actually moving. Learn about the symptoms, causes and treatments for vertigo.

Vomiting is usually not a sign of anything serious and tends to only last one or two days. Learn about the causes and when to get medical advice.

Learn more about what can cause vomiting in children. Read our tips to help you manage the symptoms and know when you should see a doctor.

Wheezing is usually a symptom of a medical condition that can be life-threatening, read on to learn how to identify and prevent wheezing at home.