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Symptom Checker

What'sCausingYourSymptoms?

Learn about common symptoms, possible causes, and when you should see a doctor. This information is for guidance only - for medical advice, consult a doctor.

If you're experiencing a medical emergency, call 000 immediately

Symptoms like chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, or loss of consciousness require emergency care.

Common Symptoms

Select a symptom to learn about possible causes and when to seek help

Sore Throat

Pain, scratchiness, or irritation in the throat that often worsens when swallowing. One of the most common reasons people seek medical advice.

Common causes:

Viral infection (common cold, flu)Allergies or irritants
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Cough

A reflex that helps clear your airways. Can be dry or productive (with mucus), and acute (short-term) or chronic (lasting weeks).

Common causes:

Viral upper respiratory infectionPost-nasal drip
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Runny Nose

Excess mucus from the nose. Usually from colds, allergies, or irritants.

Common causes:

Common coldHay feverFlu
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Shortness of Breath

Difficulty breathing or feeling like you can't get enough air. Can indicate serious conditions.

Common causes:

Anxiety or panic attackAsthmaRespiratory infection
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Chronic Cough

A cough lasting more than 8 weeks. The three most common causes in non-smokers are asthma, postnasal drip, and acid reflux - often in combination.

Common causes:

Asthma (cough-variant)Postnasal drip (upper airway cough syndrome)Acid reflux (GORD)Post-infectious cough
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Headache

Pain in any region of the head, ranging from sharp to dull, that may occur with other symptoms. One of the most common health complaints.

Common causes:

Tension headacheMigraineDehydration or hunger
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Neck Pain

Pain or stiffness in the neck. Often from posture, strain, or minor injury.

Common causes:

Muscle strainTension headache
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Joint Pain

Pain, stiffness, or swelling in one or more joints. Can be caused by injury, overuse, arthritis, infection, or autoimmune conditions.

Common causes:

OsteoarthritisInjury or overuseViral infection
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Body Aches

General muscle pain and discomfort throughout the body. Often accompanies viral infections.

Common causes:

Flu or viral infectionCOVID-19Overexertion
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Earache

Pain in or around the ear. Can be from ear infection, referred pain, or other causes.

Common causes:

Ear infection (otitis media)Swimmer's earReferred painEustachian tube blockage
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Fatigue & Tiredness

Persistent tiredness or exhaustion that doesn't improve with rest. Can significantly impact work, relationships, and quality of life.

Common causes:

Poor sleep qualityStress and mental healthLifestyle factors
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Fever

A body temperature above 38°C (100.4°F). Usually a sign your body is fighting an infection. Common and usually not serious in adults.

Common causes:

Viral infections (cold, flu, COVID)
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Dizziness

A feeling of lightheadedness, unsteadiness, or spinning. Can range from mild to disabling.

Common causes:

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)Dehydration or low blood pressureViral infectionAnxiety
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Nausea

Feeling sick to your stomach, often with an urge to vomit. Can have many causes from mild to serious.

Common causes:

Viral gastroenteritisMotion sicknessPregnancyMedication side effect
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Unexplained Weight Gain

Gaining weight without a clear change in diet or exercise habits. May indicate hormonal, metabolic, or medication-related causes.

Common causes:

Medication side effectsFluid retention
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Stomach Pain

Pain or discomfort in the abdomen. Can have many causes from mild to serious.

Common causes:

GastroenteritisIndigestionConstipationIrritable bowel syndrome
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Bloating

Feeling of fullness or swelling in the abdomen. Often from gas, diet, or digestive issues.

Common causes:

Diet and eating habitsIrritable bowel syndromeConstipation
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Burning When Urinating

Burning, stinging, or pain when you urinate (dysuria) is one of the most common urinary symptoms. Often caused by a UTI, but can have other causes.

Common causes:

Urinary tract infection (UTI)Bladder infection (cystitis)Vaginal infection or irritation
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Frequent Urination

Needing to urinate more often than usual. Can be caused by UTIs, diabetes, prostate issues, anxiety, or simply drinking too much fluid.

Common causes:

Urinary tract infectionDrinking too much fluidPregnancyAnxiety or stress
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Hair Thinning

Hair thinning affects about 50% of men by age 50 and many women. Several treatments can slow or reverse hair loss if started early.

Common causes:

Androgenetic alopecia (pattern baldness)Stress (telogen effluvium)Hormonal changes
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Itching (Pruritus)

Uncomfortable urge to scratch. Can be localised or generalised, from skin conditions or internal causes.

Common causes:

Dry skinEczemaAllergic reactionFungal infection
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Hair Loss

Thinning, shedding, or bald patches on the scalp. Can be caused by genetics, hormones, stress, nutritional deficiencies, or autoimmune conditions.

Common causes:

Androgenetic alopecia (male/female pattern)Telogen effluvium (stress-related)
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Chest Pain

Chest pain can indicate a heart attack or other serious conditions. Many cases are not life-threatening. Knowing the warning signs helps you decide when to seek emergency care.

Common causes:

Anxiety or panic attackAcid reflux (GERD)Muscle strain
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Heart Palpitations

An awareness of your heartbeat - racing, pounding, fluttering, or skipping beats. Usually benign but can be frightening.

Common causes:

Anxiety or stressCaffeine or stimulantsExercise or physical exertionDehydration
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Eye Strain (Digital Eye Strain)

Tired, sore, or dry eyes from prolonged screen use or close-up work. Also called computer vision syndrome. Affects up to 90% of people who use screens for 2+ hours daily.

Common causes:

Prolonged screen usePoor lighting or glareUncorrected vision
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Sleep Apnoea

A condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. Causes loud snoring, daytime sleepiness, and increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

Common causes:

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA)
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Common Questions About Symptoms

Understanding when and how to seek care

No. Our symptom guides are for general health information only. They can help you understand what might be going on, but they don't replace a proper medical assessment. For a clinical opinion, start a consultation with an AHPRA-registered doctor.

If you're experiencing chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, loss of consciousness, signs of stroke, or any life-threatening symptoms - call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department immediately. Telehealth is not appropriate for emergencies.

Many common symptoms can be assessed and managed via telehealth, including sore throats, headaches, coughs, fevers, and fatigue. The reviewing doctor will tell you if your symptoms need in-person examination instead.

That's completely normal - most illnesses come with a few symptoms at once. Describe everything you're experiencing in your consultation request, and the reviewing doctor will consider the full picture.

If a doctor assesses that your symptoms are genuine and prevent you from working or studying, they can issue a medical certificate. The certificate covers the period the doctor considers clinically appropriate.

Our symptom pages are reviewed for clinical accuracy, but online information is general by nature. Your actual situation may differ. That's why we always recommend getting assessed by a doctor rather than self-diagnosing.

Not at all. You don't need to know what's wrong - that's our job. Just describe your symptoms as clearly as you can, and our doctor will take it from there.

An AHPRA-registered doctor reviews your symptom details and medical history. They'll either provide advice, issue a certificate, suggest treatment, or recommend you see someone in person - whatever's clinically appropriate.

All clinical decisions are made by AHPRA-registered doctors following our clinical governance framework. We never automate clinical decisions.

Concerned About Your Symptoms?

Our Australian-registered doctors can assess your symptoms and provide advice, treatment, or medical certificates when appropriate.

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