The symptom checker reviewed by doctors

Choose a symptom and answer simple questions using our physician-reviewed
symptom checker to find more information on your health issue.

  • Symptom
  • Assessment
  • Results

Do you have a fever?

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Do you have a sore throat and headache without nasal drainage or a cough?

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Possible Diagnosis

You may have STREP THROAT, an infection caused by bacteria.

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Did your symptoms start suddenly, and do you have a combination of symptoms including muscle aches, fatigue, chills, sore throat, runny nose, and/or cough?

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Possible Diagnosis

You may have a viral infection, possibly INFLUENZA (also known as the FLU).

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Are you experiencing wheezing, shortness of breath, and a persistent cough that brings up clear, yellow, or green mucus?

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Possible Diagnosis

You may have ACUTE BRONCHITIS, an inflammation of the airways that is most often caused by a viral infection.

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Do you have a headache or muscle aches, nausea or vomiting, and watery diarrhea?

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Possible Diagnosis

You may have viral GASTROENTERITIS. Many people call it the STOMACH FLU, but it is not the same as influenza.

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Are you experiencing a runny and/or itchy nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes that get worse when you are outside or around certain triggers?

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Possible Diagnosis

You may have ALLERGIC RHINITIS, an allergic reaction to triggers such as tree, grass, or weed pollen; animal dander from cats and dogs; mold; and dust mites.

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Are you experiencing sneezing, a sore throat with a cough, a headache, congestion, and a runny nose?

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Possible Diagnosis

You probably have a viral infection, commonly called a COLD.

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Do you have pressure or pain around your eyes, cheeks, nose, or forehead; nasal congestion; a headache; a dry cough; and/or any type of discharge from your nose?

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Possible Diagnosis

You may be developing a viral or bacterial infection called SINUSITIS.

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Self Care

See your doctor if your sore throat or fever lasts longer than 48 hours. He or she can do a test to find out if you have strep throat. If you do, your doctor may give you an antibiotic to treat it.

You should also get plenty of rest and drink lots of water. Gargling with warm salt water (1/4 teaspoon of salt in 1 cup [8 ounces] of warm water) may help relieve your sore throat.

Self Care

If you see your doctor within 48 hours of the start of your symptoms, he or she may prescribe an antiviral medicine to shorten the course of the flu.

Get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids. Over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicines may relieve some of your symptoms. Don’t give OTC cough and cold medicines to a child younger than 4 years of age unless your child’s doctor says it’s okay.

Remember, you can prevent the flu by getting a flu shot each fall.

Self Care

Get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids. Using a cool-mist humidifier may also relieve some of your symptoms. If you smoke, quitting is the best way to help your airways heal faster.

Antibiotics do not work against the viruses that cause most cases of acute bronchitis. An over-the-counter (OTC) medicine can reduce inflammation, ease pain, and lower your fever. An expectorant (medicine that thins mucus) can help your cough clear mucus from your airways. Don’t give over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicines to a child younger than 4 years of age unless your child’s doctor says it’s okay.

If you are wheezing, you might need inhaled medicine. Your doctor will decide if this treatment is right for you.

If your symptoms persist or get worse, contact your doctor. If you are having trouble breathing at rest or with light activity, go directly to the nearest emergency room (by ambulance, if necessary).

Self Care

Get plenty of rest and stay hydrated. Ease back into eating with bland foods and clear liquids.

Children who have gastroenteritis should be given an oral rehydration solution (ORS) to avoid dehydration.

Self Care

Try an over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine medicine or an OTC nasal steroid spray. If your symptoms are getting worse or are hard to control, contact your doctor.

Self Care

Antibiotics do not work against the viruses that cause colds.

Get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids. Try an over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicine to treat the specific symptoms you are having. Don’t give OTC cough and cold medicines to a child younger than 4 years of age unless your child’s doctor says it’s okay.

Self Care

Get plenty of rest and drink lots of water. Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers may help reduce facial pain. Holding a warm, wet towel against your face or breathing in steam through a warm cloth or towel can relieve sinus pressure and help open your sinus passages. A cool-mist humidifier may help your sinuses drain more easily.

Contact your doctor if your symptoms last longer than 10 days or if your symptoms start to get better but then suddenly get worse again. Severe cases of sinusitis caused by bacteria may require an antibiotic.

For more information, please talk to your doctor. If you think your problem is serious, call right away.

WARNING: Due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome, don’t give aspirin to children without your doctor’s approval.

DISCLAIMER

Symptom Checker content is provided for informational purposes only. This tool may leverage certain generative artificial intelligence tools to generate results, but you should not rely on this tool as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your health or the information provided when you use this tool, you should always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional. Do not disregard, avoid, or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your healthcare professional because of something you may have read using this tool or on the FamilyDoctor.org website. Use this content solely at your own risk. If you think you may have a medical emergency, dial 911.