If you’re not sure what your symptoms might mean, or which kind of doctor to see, start here. Each entry tells you what the symptom commonly suggests, when it’s urgent, and which of our services is most relevant. Use the search or filter below — or browse the full list.
It cannot diagnose what’s wrong with you. It helps you understand what a symptom might mean and which service to see for proper assessment.
If your symptoms are severe, sudden, or worrying you — don’t use this guide. Call 999 for life-threatening emergencies, go to A&E for urgent problems, or contact NHS 111 if you’re unsure. For non-urgent private care with us: 020 7916 0029 or WhatsApp.
This is educational information, not medical advice
Symptoms can have many causes. This guide is to help you understand what your symptoms might suggest and which kind of doctor to see — not to diagnose you. If you’re unwell, please book a consultation. If something is serious, call 999 or go to A&E. See our out-of-hours information →
Browse or search the 54 symptoms below. Each card explains what the symptom often suggests, when to seek urgent care, and which MHW service is most relevant.
Pain anywhere from the lower chest to the groin. Causes range from indigestion and constipation to gallstones, appendicitis, or gynaecological conditions.
Call 999 if pain is severe, sudden, with vomiting blood, passing blood, a rigid abdomen, fainting, or fever.
Blocked pores leading to inflammation. Common in teens, but also in adults. Treatable — and worth treating if it's scarring or affecting confidence.
See a doctor if acne is severe, scarring, or causing emotional distress.
Reactions to food, medication, insect stings or environmental triggers. Most are mild. Severe reactions (anaphylaxis) are life-threatening. Anyone who has had anaphylaxis should carry an adrenaline auto-injector and seek allergy specialist input.
Call 999 immediately if there is facial or throat swelling, difficulty breathing, wheezing, or rapid pulse with light-headedness. After any anaphylactic episode, observation in hospital is required as biphasic (second-wave) reactions can occur hours later. Use your adrenaline auto-injector if you have one.
Worry, restlessness, racing thoughts, physical tension. Anxiety becomes a clinical issue when it's persistent, severe, or interferes with daily life. Effective treatment exists — psychological therapy, medication, or both.
Call 999 or go to A&E if you are having thoughts of suicide or self-harm. For non-emergency support, Samaritans is free on 116 123 (24/7).
Very common. Most back pain resolves with movement, heat, and time. Persistent or severe pain, or pain with neurological symptoms, needs assessment.
Call 999 if back pain comes with loss of bladder/bowel control, numbness around the groin/inner thighs (saddle anaesthesia), or sudden severe leg weakness.
Feeling of fullness or swelling in the abdomen. Common causes: diet, IBS, food intolerance. Persistent bloating in women, particularly over 50, can occasionally suggest more serious conditions including ovarian cancer.
See a doctor soon (within 2 weeks) if bloating is persistent (occurring more than 12 times a month), comes with weight loss, appetite changes, urinary frequency, abdominal pain, or change in bowel habit — especially in women over 50.
Blood in or around the stool. Most commonly from haemorrhoids (piles), but always worth a check to rule out more serious causes.
Call 999 if there's a large amount of blood, you feel faint, or have severe abdominal pain.
Any new lump, change in shape, skin dimpling, nipple discharge, or nipple inversion in either sex deserves assessment. Most breast lumps are benign — but early assessment matters for the small number that aren't. Men can develop breast cancer too, although much less commonly.
See a doctor within 2 weeks for any new breast lump, change in breast shape, skin dimpling or puckering, persistent nipple discharge (especially with blood), or new nipple inversion. This applies to men and women.
Pain or pressure in the chest can come from many causes — from muscle strain to heart problems. Heart-related chest pain often feels heavy or tight, may spread to the arm or jaw, and worsens with exertion.
Call 999 immediately if chest pain is severe, crushing, spreads to your arm, jaw or back, comes with shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, or you feel faint.
Less frequent or harder bowel motions, or feeling of incomplete emptying. Usually responds to fibre, water and movement. Persistent change in bowel habit deserves assessment, particularly in adults over 50.
Call 999 if you have abdominal distension with vomiting and have not passed stool or wind — this can indicate bowel obstruction. See a doctor soon if you have unexplained weight loss, blood in stools, persistent change in bowel habit, or new constipation in someone over 50.
Loose or watery stools, more frequent than usual. Most cases are short-lived and viral. Persistent diarrhoea, especially with blood or significant systemic symptoms, needs investigation.
See a doctor today (or 999 if severely unwell) if there's blood in your stool, severe abdominal pain, signs of dehydration (dizziness, reduced urine, dry mouth), or you've recently travelled abroad. Diarrhoea lasting more than 14 days needs investigation.
Trouble focusing, easily distracted, restless mind. Many causes including stress, sleep deprivation, anxiety, depression, hormonal changes — and adult ADHD.
See a doctor soon if this is long-standing, affects your work or studies, and was present in childhood. ADHD assessment may help.
A feeling that food is sticking or going down slowly. Can be from reflux, infection, or muscle problems. Persistent swallowing problems need investigation.
See a doctor today if difficulty swallowing is new, getting worse, or you've lost weight unexpectedly.
Feeling unsteady, faint, or that the world is spinning. Causes range from inner-ear problems and low blood pressure to dehydration or medication side effects.
Call 999 if dizziness comes with slurred speech, sudden weakness, severe headache or chest pain.
Common, especially in children and after colds. Most ear infections settle. Persistent ear pain or hearing changes need assessment.
See a doctor today if pain is severe, comes with fever, or you have new hearing loss.
Difficulty getting or maintaining an erection. Often physical (vascular, hormonal, medication) more than psychological. ED can be an early warning of cardiovascular disease, especially when new in a man under 60.
Call 999 or go to A&E for priapism — an unwanted erection lasting more than 4 hours. This is a urological emergency. For routine ED, a Health MOT is a sensible starting point as it can identify cardiovascular and metabolic factors.
Persistent tiredness not relieved by rest. Many causes — sleep problems, stress, anaemia, thyroid issues, depression, diabetes, vitamin deficiency.
See a doctor soon if tiredness has lasted more than 4 weeks and is affecting daily life. A Health MOT can identify reversible causes.
A temperature above 38°C, usually from infection. Most fevers in adults and older children settle with rest and fluids. Fever in young infants is different — their threshold is lower.
Call 999 if a fever comes with confusion, severe headache and stiff neck, a non-blanching rash, severe shortness of breath, or signs of sepsis. ANY fever in a baby under 3 months is a same-day medical assessment. Fever above 39°C in a child aged 3-6 months also needs same-day review.
Needing to urinate more often than usual. Causes: infection, prostate problems, diabetes, overactive bladder, anxiety.
See a doctor soon if it's new, with thirst, weight loss, or affecting sleep.
Some hair shedding is normal. Visible thinning or sudden hair loss can result from genetics, stress, hormonal change, nutritional deficiency, or skin conditions.
See a doctor if hair loss is sudden, patchy, or accompanied by other symptoms (fatigue, weight change).
Most headaches are tension-type or migraine and resolve with rest, hydration and simple painkillers. Some need urgent assessment.
Call 999 if a headache is the worst you've ever had, came on like a thunderclap (peak intensity within seconds to minutes), comes with confusion, weakness, vision loss, vomiting, or a stiff neck with fever.
Sudden or gradual loss of hearing. Causes: wax, infection, age-related, noise damage. Sudden hearing loss can be a medical emergency.
Call NHS 111 or see a doctor today if hearing loss is sudden in one ear — early treatment matters.
Burning behind the breastbone, often after meals or lying down. Stomach acid moving up into the oesophagus. Common; can usually be managed with diet, posture, and medication.
Call 999 if you vomit blood, vomit something that looks like coffee grounds, or pass black tarry stools — these suggest upper GI bleeding. See a doctor today if heartburn is severe, doesn't respond to over-the-counter treatment, comes with weight loss, or difficulty swallowing.
High blood pressure usually has no symptoms — it's found through checks. Long-term, it raises risk of heart attack, stroke and kidney damage. Manageable through lifestyle, monitoring, and sometimes medication.
See a doctor today if BP is very high (180/120 or above) and you have headache, blurred vision, chest pain, or nosebleeds.
Often follows a cold or overuse. Most settles within 2 weeks. Persistent hoarseness deserves assessment.
See a doctor today if hoarseness lasts more than 3 weeks, especially if you smoke or have other symptoms.
Trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking too early. Common causes: stress, screens, caffeine, alcohol, depression, sleep apnoea, hormonal change.
See a doctor soon if poor sleep is affecting daily functioning, or you feel low or anxious as well.
Variation in cycle length, missed periods, very heavy or painful periods. Causes range from stress and hormonal changes to PCOS, thyroid issues, or perimenopause.
See a doctor today if bleeding is very heavy (soaking pads hourly), or you're bleeding between periods or after menopause.
Skin itching without obvious cause. Common in dry skin, eczema, allergies. Persistent itching all over the body can occasionally signal liver, kidney or thyroid problems.
See a doctor soon if itching is persistent, all over the body, or affecting sleep.
Pain in one or more joints. Common with overuse, injury, or arthritis. Persistent or worsening joint pain deserves assessment.
Call 999 or go to A&E urgently if a single joint becomes hot, red, very swollen and severely painful — especially with fever. Septic arthritis can destroy a joint within 24 hours.
Persistent sadness, loss of interest, low energy, sleep changes, hopelessness. If most days for more than two weeks, this is worth seeing someone about. Treatment works.
Call 999 or go to A&E if you have thoughts of suicide or harming yourself. Samaritans 116 123 is free, 24/7.
Any new lump anywhere on the body deserves a check. Most are harmless (cysts, lipomas, lymph nodes from infection), but assessment confirms.
See a doctor soon — within 2 weeks — for any new lump that's persisted, is growing, or you're worried about.
Occasional forgetfulness is normal. Concerning if memory problems interfere with daily life, are worsening, or you're repeating questions / forgetting recent events. Sudden confusion is different and is a medical emergency.
Call 999 for SUDDEN confusion, disorientation, or significant memory change developing over hours or days — this can indicate stroke, delirium, infection, low blood sugar or other acute illness. For gradual memory change, see a doctor soon.
Hot flushes, night sweats, mood changes, sleep difficulties, vaginal dryness, irregular periods. Common from the 40s. HRT and lifestyle support help.
See a doctor — menopause is very manageable with the right support.
A specific type of headache — usually one-sided, throbbing, with nausea or light sensitivity, sometimes preceded by visual disturbance (aura). Various triggers; treatable.
Call 999 if a migraine includes new weakness or speech problems, especially on one side of the body.
Most moles are harmless. Changes in size, shape, colour, or new symptoms (bleeding, itching) can rarely indicate skin cancer and should be checked.
See a doctor soon — within 2 weeks — if a mole has changed in size, shape, colour, or is bleeding or itching.
Common causes: viral infections, food poisoning, pregnancy, medications. Prolonged or recurrent vomiting needs assessment.
Call 999 if you're vomiting blood, can't keep any fluids down for more than 24 hours, have severe abdominal pain, or signs of dehydration.
Often muscular, from posture or stress. Most settles in days. Persistent neck pain, or pain with neurological symptoms, needs assessment.
Call 999 if neck stiffness comes with fever, severe headache, light sensitivity, or rash that doesn't fade on pressure.
Soaking sweats during sleep. Common causes: menopause, anxiety, infections, certain medications. Persistent night sweats can occasionally suggest more serious conditions.
See a doctor soon if night sweats are recurrent, drenching, and accompanied by weight loss or fevers.
Common, usually harmless. Most settle with pressure on the soft part of the nose for 10 minutes.
Call 999 if you can't stop the bleeding after 20 minutes of pressure, if it follows a head injury, or you're losing a lot of blood.
Burning, stinging or urgency when urinating. Most commonly a urinary tract infection — treatable with antibiotics. UTIs are common in women and almost always need treatment in men, children and pregnancy.
See a doctor the same day if there's blood in the urine, fever, back/loin pain, vomiting, or you're pregnant. UTI in a man always warrants assessment; UTI in a child needs prompt review.
A sensation of feeling your own heartbeat — fast, fluttery, irregular, or pounding. Often harmless (caffeine, stress, exercise), but can occasionally signal an arrhythmia.
Call 999 if palpitations come with chest pain, severe shortness of breath, fainting, or last for hours without stopping.
Sudden episodes of intense fear with physical symptoms — racing heart, breathlessness, shaking, dread. They're very frightening but not dangerous. Treatment works.
Call 999 if you have any doubt that what you're experiencing is a panic attack — especially if you have chest pain, breathing problems, or it's your first time.
A cough that lasts more than 3 weeks. Most coughs settle on their own; persistent coughs need assessment to rule out asthma, infection, reflux, allergies, or — rarely — more serious causes.
See a doctor today if you cough up blood, have unexplained weight loss, night sweats, or significant breathlessness.
Many causes — allergic, infective, autoimmune, viral. Most rashes are mild. New, widespread, or symptomatic rashes deserve assessment.
Call 999 if rash is non-blanching (doesn't fade when pressed), comes with fever and a stiff neck, or with breathing difficulties or facial swelling.
Difficulty breathing or feeling you can't get enough air. Can be a normal response to exertion, but new or worsening breathlessness at rest needs prompt assessment.
Call 999 if breathing is severely difficult, your lips or face look blue, you can't speak full sentences, or it comes with chest pain.
Common and usually harmless, but loud snoring with daytime sleepiness, gasping, or pauses in breathing may indicate obstructive sleep apnoea — which is treatable.
See a doctor soon if your partner has noticed you stop breathing in your sleep, or you're very tired during the day.
Common with colds and minor viruses. Most resolve in a few days. Severe or recurrent sore throats may need antibiotic treatment.
Call 999 if you have stridor (a harsh sound when breathing in), drooling and can't swallow saliva, or severe difficulty breathing — this can indicate epiglottitis or severe airway swelling. See a doctor today if there's a stiff neck, muffled voice, severe pain, or one-sided throat swelling.
Pain, swelling or restricted movement after exercise or impact. Most respond to rest, ice, compression and elevation. Significant injuries need assessment.
See a doctor today if there's significant swelling, you can't bear weight, deformity is visible, or pain is severe.
Fluid build-up around the ankles. Often due to standing, heat, or long flights. Persistent swelling can suggest heart, kidney, vein or thyroid problems.
See a doctor today if swelling is only in one leg and the leg is hot, red or painful (could be a blood clot).
Any new lump or swelling in the testicle should be checked. Most are benign, but testicular cancer needs early treatment and is highly treatable when caught early.
See a doctor today if you find a new lump, swelling, or change in either testicle.
Ringing, buzzing or whooshing in the ears, with no external source. Often manageable; causes include wax, noise exposure, and age-related changes.
See a doctor soon if tinnitus is in one ear only, pulsating, or comes with sudden hearing loss.
Involuntary shaking — most commonly in the hands. Can be related to stress, caffeine, certain medications, thyroid, or neurological conditions.
See a doctor soon if tremor is new, getting worse, affecting one side, or accompanied by stiffness or slowness of movement.
Losing weight without trying — particularly more than 5% of body weight in a few months — deserves assessment. Many causes from thyroid to diabetes to inflammatory conditions.
See a doctor soon. Unexplained weight loss always needs a check.
A whistling sound when breathing, usually on exhale. Common in asthma, chest infections and allergies. New wheezing in adults needs assessment.
Call 999 if wheezing comes with severe breathlessness, blue lips, or you can't speak in full sentences.
No symptoms match your search.
This guide is reviewed by MHW Clinic doctors. Content is based on NHS, NICE and Royal College guidance and is updated periodically. Educational information only — not a substitute for clinical assessment.
Sometimes symptoms don’t fit one neat category, or you want to talk it through with a doctor first. Our private GP consultation is a sensible starting point — a GP can assess, investigate, and refer you to the right specialist within the clinic.