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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.
Select a symptom to learn about possible causes and when to seek help
Pain, scratchiness, or irritation in the throat that often worsens when swallowing. One of the most common reasons people seek medical advice.
Common causes:
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:
Persistent tiredness or exhaustion that doesn't improve with rest. Can significantly impact work, relationships, and quality of life.
Common causes:
A reflex that helps clear your airways. Can be dry or productive (with mucus), and acute (short-term) or chronic (lasting weeks).
Common causes:
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:
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:
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:
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:
Needing to urinate more often than usual. Can be caused by UTIs, diabetes, prostate issues, anxiety, or simply drinking too much fluid.
Common causes:
Feeling sick to your stomach, often with an urge to vomit. Can have many causes from mild to serious.
Common causes:
A feeling of lightheadedness, unsteadiness, or spinning. Can range from mild to disabling.
Common causes:
Excess mucus from the nose. Usually from colds, allergies, or irritants.
Common causes:
General muscle pain and discomfort throughout the body. Often accompanies viral infections.
Common causes:
Difficulty breathing or feeling like you can't get enough air. Can indicate serious conditions.
Common causes:
Pain or discomfort in the abdomen. Can have many causes from mild to serious.
Common causes:
Pain or stiffness in the neck. Often from posture, strain, or minor injury.
Common causes:
Feeling of fullness or swelling in the abdomen. Often from gas, diet, or digestive issues.
Common causes:
Pain in or around the ear. Can be from ear infection, referred pain, or other causes.
Common causes:
Uncomfortable urge to scratch. Can be localised or generalised, from skin conditions or internal causes.
Common causes:
An awareness of your heartbeat — racing, pounding, fluttering, or skipping beats. Usually benign but can be frightening.
Common causes:
Pain, stiffness, or swelling in one or more joints. Can be caused by injury, overuse, arthritis, infection, or autoimmune conditions.
Common causes:
Gaining weight without a clear change in diet or exercise habits. May indicate hormonal, metabolic, or medication-related causes.
Common causes:
Thinning, shedding, or bald patches on the scalp. Can be caused by genetics, hormones, stress, nutritional deficiencies, or autoimmune conditions.
Common causes:
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:
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:
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:
Understanding when and how to seek care
All clinical decisions are made by AHPRA-registered doctors following our clinical governance framework. We never automate clinical decisions.
Our Australian-registered doctors can assess your symptoms and provide advice, treatment, or medical certificates when appropriate.
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