Symptoms: Understand Common Signs and What to Do

Not every ache or fever needs an ER run, but some do. Symptoms are your body's way of talking to you — learn to read the main signals so you can act fast and avoid mistakes. Below are clear, practical steps to sort mild problems from emergencies, plus simple home care tips you can actually use.

Red flags — when to get urgent help

Some symptoms demand immediate attention. Head to emergency care or call your doctor right away if you notice:

- Chest pain, pressure, or tightness, especially with sweating or shortness of breath.
- Sudden weakness, numbness, trouble speaking, or facial droop (possible stroke).
- Severe difficulty breathing, choking, or blue lips.
- Sudden severe headache unlike anything before, or loss of consciousness.
- High fever that won’t come down (over 39°C / 102°F), repeated vomiting, or dehydration.
- Heavy uncontrolled bleeding or deep wounds that won’t stop bleeding.

If you’re on blood thinners like warfarin (Coumadin), any unusual bleeding, bruising, or severe headache needs prompt contact with your clinician—warfarin changes can be subtle but dangerous.

Smart steps to handle common symptoms at home

For many everyday symptoms you can act quickly and safely:

- Fever, aches, mild sore throat: rest, fluids, and acetaminophen (paracetamol) or ibuprofen as needed. If unsure which painkiller to choose, check how paracetamol and ibuprofen work and which fits your health needs.

- Cough or congestion: steam, saline nasal rinse, honey for cough in adults, and time. Watch for worsening shortness of breath or persistent high fever.

- Minor wounds: clean with soap and water, apply antibiotic ointment if needed, and keep covered. Seek care for deep cuts or signs of infection (red streaks, spreading redness, pus).

- Sinus or ear pain: warm compresses, decongestants for short courses, and note if symptoms worsen after a few days. If antibiotics are prescribed, follow the full course—see our sinus infection diary for a real recovery example.

- New or severe mood shifts, persistent anxiety, or depression: don’t wait. Antidepressants like Lexapro can help some people, but talk to a clinician about options and side effects.

Keep a simple symptom diary: note when symptoms started, what makes them better or worse, any medicines you took, and any fever or breathing changes. That short record helps your clinician decide faster.

Want deeper reads? We have articles on painkillers (paracetamol vs ibuprofen), anticoagulant care (Coumadin), sinus infection experiences, migraine options, and more. Browse the tag to find focused guides and practical tips for specific symptoms you’re dealing with.