When you’re feeling under the weather, it’s tempting to assume the worst and book a GP appointment (or at least try to!).
However, not every minor symptom means something serious. Our bodies go through all sorts of changes, and most of the time, those little aches, twinges, or weird sensations are completely harmless. Rushing to the doctor for every small issue isn’t just unnecessary, it can also take up valuable appointment slots that someone else might really need. Knowing when you can manage a symptom at home can save time, money, and stress. Here are some common everyday symptoms that usually don’t need medical attention and what to do instead. Of course, if you’re truly concerned, don’t ignore that—it is always better to be safe than sorry.
1. The occasional headache
Headaches can strike at the worst times, but in most cases, they’re nothing to worry about. They’re often caused by dehydration, stress, staring at screens too long, or even skipping meals. A tension headache, for example, feels like a tight band around your head, often caused by posture or eye strain.
Before panicking, try drinking water, getting some rest, or stepping away from screens for a while. Over-the-counter pain relief like paracetamol or ibuprofen can help if needed. However, if you’re experiencing sudden, severe headaches, frequent migraines, or headaches accompanied by confusion, vision problems, or nausea, that’s a different story—those should be checked by a doctor.
2. A mild sore throat
A scratchy or slightly painful throat can feel worrying, but most of the time, it’s caused by a mild viral infection, allergies, or even just talking too much. Changes in weather, dry indoor air, and even acidic foods can also trigger throat irritation.
Drinking warm fluids, gargling with salt water, sucking on lozenges, and using honey can help soothe the irritation. If your sore throat is extremely painful, makes it hard to swallow, lasts more than a week, or comes with a fever and white spots on your tonsils, then it’s worth getting checked.
3. Feeling tired all the time
Constant tiredness can feel scary, but more often than not, it’s due to lifestyle habits rather than a medical condition. Poor sleep, high stress levels, dehydration, a lack of exercise, and an unbalanced diet can all contribute to feeling drained.
Before assuming something is wrong, try improving your sleep routine, cutting back on caffeine, and making sure you’re eating enough nutritious food. If exhaustion continues despite making lifestyle changes—or if it’s accompanied by dizziness, rapid weight loss, or unexplained body pain—it might be worth checking in with a GP.
4. A bit of bloating
Feeling uncomfortably full after a meal happens to everyone. Bloating is usually caused by eating too quickly, consuming too much salt, fizzy drinks, or certain gas-producing foods like beans and cruciferous vegetables.
Try drinking peppermint tea, eating smaller meals, and avoiding carbonated drinks to see if the bloating improves. If bloating is severe, frequent, or comes with unexplained weight loss or prolonged discomfort, then it may be worth investigating further.
5. Muscle aches after exercise
If you’ve ever worked out and then felt sore the next day, you’ve experienced delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). This is totally normal and just means your muscles are recovering and getting stronger.
Stretching, staying hydrated, and using heat packs can help relieve soreness. A light walk or gentle movement can also help loosen things up. If the pain is sharp, lasts more than a few days, or affects movement significantly, then it could be a sign of an injury rather than normal soreness.
6. A lingering mild cough
After a cold or flu, a mild cough can stick around for weeks. This happens because your airways stay irritated even after the initial infection clears up, especially if you’ve been coughing a lot.
Drinking warm liquids, sucking on lozenges, and avoiding smoke or strong fragrances can help soothe an irritated throat. If the cough lasts more than three weeks, gets worse, or comes with wheezing or shortness of breath, that’s when it’s time to check in with a GP.
7. Random eye twitches
If your eye has ever twitched for no apparent reason, you’re not alone. Eye twitching (or eyelid spasms) is usually caused by stress, fatigue, too much caffeine, or excessive screen time.
Getting more sleep, cutting back on coffee, and taking regular breaks from screens can help. If an eye twitch lasts for weeks, spreads to other parts of your face, or affects vision, then it might be worth seeing a doctor.
8. Feeling dizzy when you stand up
Standing up too fast and suddenly feeling lightheaded is actually quite common. It happens when blood pressure temporarily drops due to quick movement, often called orthostatic hypotension.
Drinking more water, standing up slowly, and making sure you’re eating enough salt can help. If dizziness happens frequently, causes blackouts, or is accompanied by other symptoms like heart palpitations, then it’s worth checking in with a doctor.
9. Mild indigestion
Eating too fast, having too much caffeine, or consuming greasy food can cause temporary indigestion. It might feel uncomfortable, but it’s usually nothing to worry about.
Try eating smaller portions, avoiding spicy foods, and not lying down immediately after meals. If indigestion is persistent, comes with chest pain, or affects your ability to eat, then it should be checked out.
10. Dry skin or mild rashes
Skin can react to changes in weather, certain soaps, or lack of hydration. Mild rashes or dry patches are usually more annoying than dangerous.
Using a good moisturiser, switching to gentler skincare products, and staying hydrated can keep skin issues under control. If a rash spreads, becomes painful, or lasts for weeks, then it’s worth seeing a doctor.
11. A random bruise with no memory of injury
Sometimes, you notice a bruise and have no idea where it came from. This happens more often than you think, especially if you bump into things without realising it.
If bruising happens frequently without explanation or is accompanied by excessive bleeding or fatigue, then a doctor’s visit might be needed. Otherwise, the occasional mystery bruise is harmless.
12. A mild fever with no other symptoms
A low-grade fever (below 38°C) is usually a sign that your body is fighting off a mild infection. If you have no other concerning symptoms, it’s usually nothing to worry about.
Resting, drinking fluids, and taking paracetamol if needed can help bring the fever down. If it lasts more than a few days, spikes suddenly, or is accompanied by severe chills, then a doctor’s visit is a good idea.
