Can You Spot These Common NHS Symptoms?

A health quiz every Brit should take

From everyday bugs to serious conditions, knowing your symptoms can save time, stress, and even lives. These NHS quiz questions will test your ability to recognize common symptoms listed on NHS.uk — including signs of infection, cancer, heart problems, diabetes, stroke, and more.

Try to answer each one before clicking to reveal the correct answer!


1. A sudden weakness or numbness in one side of the face or body is a symptom of what condition?

Stroke


2. A persistent cough lasting longer than 3 weeks could be a warning sign of…?

Lung cancer or a chest infection


3. A burning or stinging sensation when you pee is usually a symptom of…?

Urinary tract infection (UTI)


4. What is a key early symptom of meningitis?

Stiff neck


5. Chest pain that radiates to the left arm, jaw, or back could indicate…?

Heart attack


6. Persistent bloating in women, especially over age 50, may signal…?

Ovarian cancer


7. A rash that doesn’t fade when pressed with a glass can indicate…?

Meningitis


8. Sudden vision loss in one eye could be a sign of…?

Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA or mini-stroke)


9. What common symptom might indicate type 2 diabetes?

Feeling very thirsty and peeing more than usual


10. What symptom often signals iron deficiency anaemia?

Extreme tiredness and pale skin


11. Which symptom is typical of hay fever?

Itchy, watery eyes and sneezing


12. Repeated headaches, blurred vision, and vomiting in a child may signal…?

A brain tumour (rare but serious)


13. What are common symptoms of norovirus (“the winter vomiting bug”)?

Sudden vomiting and diarrhoea


14. What’s a common symptom of a gallbladder problem like gallstones?

Pain in the upper right abdomen after eating fatty foods


15. Tremors, stiffness, and slow movement can all be early signs of…?

Parkinson’s disease


16. Persistent indigestion and heartburn could be a sign of…?

Stomach or oesophageal cancer


17. What does yellowing of the skin or eyes indicate?

Jaundice — often linked to liver disease


18. Which condition often causes tingling or numbness in the hands and feet?

Diabetes


19. What’s a tell-tale symptom of shingles?

Painful rash that appears on one side of the body


20. Which mental health condition is often linked to a loss of interest, fatigue, and feelings of worthlessness?

Depression


21. A child with a barking cough and noisy breathing at night may have…?

Croup


22. Persistent hoarseness in your voice for more than 3 weeks may be a sign of…?

Throat or laryngeal cancer


23. Night sweats, weight loss, and swollen glands can be early signs of…?

Lymphoma


24. What is a classic symptom of appendicitis?

Pain in the lower right abdomen


25. Fatigue, pale skin, and shortness of breath could indicate…?

Anaemia


26. What symptom might signal an underactive thyroid?

Weight gain, tiredness, and feeling cold


27. What symptom combination may suggest sepsis in an adult?

High temperature, fast heartbeat, confusion, shivering


28. What is a symptom of measles in children?

Blotchy red rash and white spots in the mouth


29. Which skin condition often causes red, itchy patches with silvery scales?

Psoriasis


30. Recurrent mouth ulcers, joint pain, and extreme fatigue could be symptoms of…?

Lupus


31. What symptom may be linked to high blood pressure?

Often none — it’s called the “silent killer”


32. A red, swollen leg with pain and warmth may signal…?

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)


33. Unexplained bruising and frequent nosebleeds can be signs of…?

Leukaemia


34. Persistent lower back pain with weight loss could indicate…?

Kidney cancer


35. A dry, persistent cough that worsens at night is common in…?

Asthma


36. Swelling in the ankles, shortness of breath, and fatigue may indicate…?

Heart failure


37. What is one of the earliest signs of Alzheimer’s disease?

Memory loss that disrupts daily life


38. What is a common early symptom of bowel cancer?

Blood in your poo


39. What’s a symptom of a panic attack that’s often mistaken for a heart attack?

Chest tightness and shortness of breath


40. Itchy, red patches on the skin that appear suddenly may be…?

Hives (urticaria)


🧠 How’d You Do?

34–40 correct: Health Hero 🩺
You’ve clearly spent some time on NHS.uk — or maybe you’re secretly a GP. Either way, you know your symptoms.

27–33 correct: Symptom Savvy ✅
Solid knowledge. You’d probably know when to call 111 vs heading to A&E. Keep it up!

18–26 correct: Cautious Googler 🔍
You know the basics but could brush up on the red flags. NHS symptom checkers are your friend!

0–17 correct: Might Be Time for a Health MOT 👀
You’ve got room to improve — but hey, now you’ve learned a few signs to watch out for.

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