It’s not always easy to tell if a health problem will get better on its own or if you should see a doctor.
Some mild symptoms can require urgent medical attention, while a seemingly alarming symptom may not.
If you’ve got a health problem you’re unsure about, take a look at the image below. It’s not exhaustive, but it outlines some common conditions that you should always seek medical help for and others that you can self-care for in the first instance.
If a symptom becomes worse or doesn’t improve with self-care, see a doctor or another health professional.
Got a symptom you’re concerned about? Use our Self-Assessment Tool to find out if you need to see a doctor.