A new symptom. A clearer next step.
When to get care
Find warning signs, reasons to contact a doctor, and questions for your visit. Start here when something is new, changing, or worrying—even after an earlier appointment.
Find a symptom guide
Search by a symptom, not your name or personal medical details. This search finds educational guides; it cannot diagnose you or decide how urgently you need care.
24 symptom guides
Chest, heart & breathing
4Chest pain or pressure
Pain, burning, heaviness or pressure in the chest needs attention.
Warning signs & next stepsShortness of breath
Trouble getting enough air can be new or worse than usual.
Warning signs & next stepsRacing or unusual heartbeat
Your heart may feel fast, pounding, fluttering or uneven.
Warning signs & next stepsCough
A dry cough or mucus-producing cough can have many causes.
Warning signs & next stepsHead, eyes & nerves
4Headache
A new headache or a change in your usual headaches deserves attention.
Warning signs & next stepsDizziness or fainting
You may feel light-headed, unsteady, spinning or briefly pass out.
Warning signs & next stepsWeakness, numbness or tingling
A body part may feel weak, numb or like pins and needles.
Warning signs & next stepsVision changes or eye pain
Changes may affect one or both eyes.
Warning signs & next stepsStomach, bowel & urine
6Belly or abdominal pain
Pain may be in one area or across the belly.
Warning signs & next stepsVomiting or diarrhea
Repeated vomiting or loose stools can cause dehydration.
Warning signs & next stepsConstipation
Stools may be hard, difficult to pass or less frequent than usual.
Warning signs & next stepsBlood in stool or rectal bleeding
Blood may be on paper, in stool, or make stool dark and sticky.
Warning signs & next stepsPain, burning or changes when urinating
Burning, urgency, frequent urine or visible blood needs assessment.
Warning signs & next stepsUnusual thirst or frequent urination
Persistent thirst, dry mouth or passing urine often deserves attention.
Warning signs & next stepsSkin, pain & body changes
9Fever or chills
Feeling hot, cold or shivery may happen with an infection.
Warning signs & next stepsBack pain
Pain can affect the lower or upper back and sometimes the legs.
Warning signs & next stepsJoint pain or swelling
Pain or stiffness may affect a knee, hip, shoulder, hand or other joint.
Warning signs & next stepsRash, itching or allergy
Skin may itch, develop bumps or change texture or color.
Warning signs & next stepsSwollen legs, ankles or feet
Swelling can affect one leg or both.
Warning signs & next stepsTiredness or low energy
Fatigue is tiredness that makes usual activities harder.
Warning signs & next stepsUnexpected weight change
Weight may rise or fall without an intended change in habits.
Warning signs & next stepsPossible low blood glucose
Shaking, sweating, hunger, dizziness or confusion can occur with low glucose.
Warning signs & next stepsPossible high blood glucose
High glucose may cause thirst, frequent urine, tiredness or blurred vision.
Warning signs & next stepsMood & sleep
1Adults, with extra care for some situations
These guides are written for adults. Children need age-specific advice. Contact a clinician earlier if you are pregnant, gave birth in the last year, have weakened immunity, or have a serious ongoing condition. Tell them about recent surgery and any new medicines.
Pregnant or gave birth in the past year?