When to See a Doctor: A Complete Guide
Know the warning signs that mean you should seek medical advice rather than self-treating at home.
Call 999 or Go to A&E Immediately If
Some situations are medical emergencies where every minute counts. Call 999 immediately for: chest pain or pressure that lasts more than a few minutes (especially with sweating, nausea, or arm/jaw pain); difficulty breathing or choking; signs of stroke — remember FAST (Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call 999); heavy, uncontrolled bleeding that won't stop with pressure; severe allergic reaction with throat swelling or difficulty breathing; loss of consciousness or seizures; suspected meningitis (fever, stiff neck, non-blanching rash); sudden confusion, slurred speech, or someone not making sense (a key sepsis and stroke sign); abdominal pain that came on very suddenly or is severe, or a tummy that hurts when touched; or a serious head injury with confusion or vomiting. Never hesitate to call 999 — paramedics would always rather respond to a false alarm than arrive too late.
Call NHS 111 or Visit Urgent Care If
NHS 111 is available 24/7 by phone or online (111.nhs.uk) and can help you decide where to go. Contact them for: a high fever that won't come down with paracetamol (especially in children under 5); abdominal pain that keeps coming back or is slowly getting worse; a deep cut that may need stitches but isn't life-threatening; suspected broken bones (if the limb looks deformed or you can't bear weight); severe vomiting or diarrhoea lasting more than 24 hours with signs of dehydration; a rash you're unsure about; or any symptoms that feel urgent but aren't immediately life-threatening. The NHS 111 team can book same-day GP appointments, direct you to a walk-in centre, or send an ambulance if needed.
Book a GP Appointment If
See your GP for symptoms that are persistent, recurring, or gradually worsening. Key reasons to book include: symptoms that persist beyond their expected timeframe (a cough over 3 weeks, tiredness over 4 weeks); unexplained weight loss or gain; new or changing lumps anywhere on your body; persistent changes in bowel or bladder habits; ongoing fatigue that doesn't improve with rest; recurrent pain in any area; persistent heartburn or indigestion; changes in moles (shape, colour, size, bleeding); mental health concerns like persistent anxiety or low mood; and any symptom that's worrying you — your GP would always rather see you and reassure you than have you worry at home.
Self-Care Is Usually Fine If
Many common ailments can be safely managed at home. Self-care is generally appropriate for: mild cold symptoms (runny nose, sneezing, mild sore throat); minor headaches that respond to paracetamol and hydration; temporary stomach upset lasting less than 48 hours; minor muscle aches after exercise; small cuts, grazes, and minor burns; mild allergic reactions (sneezing, itchy eyes) that respond to antihistamines; and short-lived tiredness related to poor sleep. Your local pharmacist is an excellent first port of call — they can advise on over-the-counter treatments, check for drug interactions, and tell you if you need to see a GP. Most pharmacies in England now run Pharmacy First, a free NHS service where a pharmacist can give you prescription medicine without a GP appointment for seven conditions: impetigo and infected insect bites (1 and over), earache (1 to 17), sore throat (5 and over), sinusitis (12 and over), shingles (18 and over), and uncomplicated UTIs in women aged 16 to 64. Outside those age ranges a pharmacist can still advise, but you may need a GP. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland run their own equivalent schemes.
- emergency
- general health
- when to worry
Sources and further reading
This page was written from the following published guidance. All links checked 26 August 2026.