Lower left abdominal pain can come from something as simple as constipation or intestinal gas, but the same area can also hurt with diverticulitis, kidney stones, urinary infections, bowel obstruction, reproductive-organ conditions, or other illnesses that require medical evaluation. The location provides an important clue, but it does not diagnose the problem by itself. Clinicians…

An itchy rash can appear suddenly, develop gradually, stay confined to one small area, or spread across much of the body. Sometimes the explanation is relatively simple—a new soap, dry skin, an insect bite, or exposure to an irritating plant. Other times, an itchy rash may result from eczema, hives, a fungal infection, scabies, a…

Chest pain can be frightening because many people immediately think of a heart attack. While chest pain should always be taken seriously, the good news is that many episodes of chest discomfort are caused by conditions that do not originate from the heart. The chest contains the heart, lungs, esophagus, muscles, ribs, cartilage, nerves, and…

Ear pain can be surprisingly uncomfortable. It may feel like a dull ache, pressure deep inside the ear, burning, fullness, or a sudden sharp pain that seems to come out of nowhere. Sometimes the cause is an ear infection, but an earache does not always mean something is wrong inside the ear itself. The medical…

Feeling winded after running, climbing several flights of stairs, or doing strenuous exercise can be completely normal. But what if you become short of breath while walking across a parking lot, doing housework, climbing a single flight of stairs, or performing activities that normally do not bother you? Shortness of breath with exertion—also called dyspnea…

A headache behind the right eye can feel like pressure, throbbing, aching, burning, or even a sharp stabbing pain deep inside or around the eye. Sometimes it develops gradually after a long day staring at a computer. Other times, it appears with nausea, sensitivity to light, congestion, tearing, or visual symptoms. Most headaches are not…

Heart palpitations can be unsettling. You may suddenly notice your heart pounding in your chest, fluttering, racing, or seemingly skipping a beat. Sometimes the sensation lasts only a few seconds. Other times it may continue for minutes or repeatedly come and go. Fortunately, heart palpitations are common and are often not caused by a dangerous…

Headaches are extremely common. They can happen after a stressful day, poor sleep, dehydration, an illness, prolonged screen time, or a migraine attack. In most cases, a headache is not caused by a dangerous medical condition. However, some headaches are warning signs of problems that require urgent or emergency evaluation. A headache that begins suddenly…

Calf pain is common and is often caused by something relatively minor, such as a muscle strain, overuse, cramping, or soreness after exercise. However, pain in one calf can occasionally be a warning sign of a more serious problem, including a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), infection, significant injury, or reduced blood flow to the leg.…

Sharp chest pain on the left side can be harmless—or serious. Learn causes, warning signs, and when to go to urgent care vs the ER. Sharp Chest Pain on Left Side: Should You Be Worried? Sharp chest pain on the left side is one of the most anxiety-provoking symptoms because of its association with the…

Sharp chest pain when breathing in? Learn common causes, warning signs, and when to go to urgent care vs the ER. Chest Pain When Breathing In: Should You Be Worried? Chest pain that worsens when you take a deep breath can feel alarming. Patients often describe it as sharp, stabbing, or “catching” pain that intensifies…

Chest tightness at night can be harmless—or serious. Learn common causes, warning signs, and when to go to urgent care vs the ER. Chest Tightness at Night: Should You Be Worried? Chest tightness that occurs or worsens at night is a symptom that often causes anxiety. Many people notice a sensation of pressure, squeezing, or…