Topics

This page is part of our information on check symptoms. It gives you the routes to get an assessment of your own symptoms — and where to go for current, official NHS information about Topics.

Get advice about your symptoms

For an assessment of your own situation, use one of the routes below. Do not rely on general information alone if you are worried about your health.

• NHS 111 online — the NHS symptom checker. It asks you questions and tells you what to do next.
• Call 111 to speak to NHS 111 — free from any phone, any time.
• Your GP for non-urgent medical problems.
• A pharmacist for advice on minor problems — no appointment needed.

Current NHS information

For up-to-date, clinically reviewed information on this topic, visit nhs.uk conditions A–Z and search for Topics. NHS.uk is written and maintained by NHS England and is the authoritative source for patient-facing health information in the UK.

This page provides general information only. It is not a diagnosis and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See our about page for our editorial approach.

In this section

• AllergiesAllergies — plain-English information on hay fever, food allergies, drug reactions and anaphylaxis, with links to NHS 111…
• BleedingBleeding — first-aid guidance for cuts, nosebleeds, rectal bleeding and vaginal bleeding, and when to seek urgent NHS…
• ChildrenChildren — how to spot when a child needs urgent medical help, plus links to NHS 111 and…
• DentalDental — help for toothache, dental abscess, broken teeth and losing a filling, plus how to find an…
• Ear, nose and throatEar, nose and throat — general information about earache, sore throat, blocked nose and sinus problems, with links…
• General healthGeneral health — everyday health questions, staying well, minor illness, and where to get advice in the UK.
• Head and neckHead and neck — help for headaches, migraines, neck pain, and head injuries, with links to NHS 111…
• InjuriesInjuries — first aid for sprains, strains, cuts, burns, and broken bones, and how to know when to…
• Mental healthMental health — help for low mood, anxiety, stress and crisis. Talking-therapy self-referral in most areas, plus Samaritans.
• PainsPain — general guidance on headache, back pain, joint pain, abdominal pain, and safe use of over-the-counter pain…
• PregnancyPregnancy — common questions, safe medicines, warning signs, and where to get midwifery and NHS antenatal care.
• Seasonal health adviceSeasonal health advice — winter warmth, summer heat, hay fever, flu jab and staying well through the year.
• Sexual healthSexual health — free, confidential NHS sexual-health services, contraception, STI testing and emergency contraception in the UK.
• SkinSkin — help for rashes, itching, eczema, spots and moles, and how to spot rashes that need urgent…