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Signs and symptoms

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It's often difficult to tell the difference between a symptom and a medical condition - do you just have indigestion or is it a stomach ulcer? Does your blurred vision have a simple explanation or should you get checked out for type 2 diabetes? Take a look through the expert information below covering some of the most common medical symptoms, to understand more about the cause of your problem.

woman sleeping in grey bed

Signs and symptoms

Tiredness

by Dr Rachel Hudson, MRCGP

Muscle weakness

Bones, joints and muscles

Muscle weakness

by Dr Philippa Vincent, MRCGP

Left upper quadrant pain

Digestive health

Left upper quadrant pain

by Dr Hayley Willacy, FRCGP

Lumps in the groin

Signs and symptoms

Lumps in the groin

by Dr Colin Tidy, MRCGP

General signs and symptoms

Signs are objective indications of an illness or condition that can be measured or observed by others (e.g. rash, jaundice). Symptoms are subjective experiences reported by the patient that cannot be easily measured (e.g., pain or fatigue).

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Breathing difficulties

Difficulty breathing is the subjective feeling of being unable to get enough air or having to work too hard to breathe. It can feel like chest tightness, gasping, or an inability to take a full breath. Severe breathing problems require emergency medical attention.

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Chest pain

Chest pain refers to any discomfort, ache, or pressure felt anywhere between the neck and the upper abdomen. While frequently associated with heart issues, it can also originate from respiratory, gastrointestinal, muscular, or psychological conditions.

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Cough

A cough is a natural reflex to clear your airways of irritants, mucus, or foreign particles. It is usually caused by a viral infection, allergies, or environmental irritants. A cough lasting over three weeks should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

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Dizziness

Dizziness is a broad term describing feelings of faintness, lightheadedness, weakness, or unsteadiness. It can also include vertigo, which is a sensation that you or your surroundings are spinning.

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Fever

A raised temperature is usually a sign of infection. Learn when a fever needs home care and when it’s safer to seek medical attention.

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Headache

Headaches are extremely common and range from mild tension-type pains to severe cluster headaches. Most are harmless, stemming from stress, dehydration, poor posture, or lack of sleep.

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Joint pain

Painful joints can result from injury, overuse, or arthritis. Learn what causes joint pain and which treatments or exercises can help ease symptoms.

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Lumps and bumps

Lumps or bumps can be alarming. Learn about common causes, what’s harmless, and when to get any changes checked by your doctor.

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Swelling

Swelling is the enlargement or puffiness of body tissues, primarily caused by inflammation, injury, or an abnormal buildup of fluid. It acts as a protective mechanism that helps isolate damaged areas and initiates the body's natural healing process.

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Tiredness

Tiredness or fatigue is a state of physical, mental or emotional exhaustion characterised by a persistent lack of energy, lethargy and decreased motivation. It is a normal response to exertion or lack of sleep, but chronic fatigue can severely interfere with quality of life.

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Urinary tract symptoms

Pain, urgency, or changes in urine flow? Learn about common urinary symptoms and what they could mean for your health.

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