Symptoms
Understand common health symptoms, what causes them, and when to see a doctor in Korea.
20 articles
Ask Hayya Med AI โHeadache
Headaches are one of the most common health complaints worldwide, ranging from mild tension headaches to debilitating migraines. Most are not serious, but some require urgent medical attention.
Fever
A fever is a temporary rise in body temperature, usually a sign that the body is fighting an infection. Most fevers are self-limiting, but high or persistent fevers require medical evaluation.
Chest Pain
Chest pain is a symptom that should never be ignored. While it can have many non-cardiac causes, it may also indicate a heart attack or other life-threatening emergency requiring immediate medical attention.
Back Pain
Back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide, affecting up to 80% of people at some point in their lives. In Korea, sedentary office work, prolonged sitting, and lifestyle factors contribute significantly.
Skin Rash
Skin rashes are changes in the skin's colour, texture, or appearance. They are extremely common in Korea due to seasonal humidity swings, sweat, and contact with irritants. Most are harmless but some require medical attention.
Shortness of Breath: Causes, When to Worry & Treatment
Shortness of breath can range from mild exertion-related breathlessness to a sign of a serious cardiac or respiratory emergency. Knowing the difference could save your life.
Persistent Fatigue: Causes, Red Flags & Treatment
Fatigue that persists despite adequate sleep is one of the most common medical complaints โ and one of the most important to investigate, as it can signal dozens of underlying conditions.
Nausea & Vomiting: Causes, Relief & When to See a Doctor
Nausea and vomiting are among the most universal human symptoms. Most cases are harmless and self-limiting, but some patterns require prompt medical evaluation.
Dizziness & Vertigo: Causes and Treatment
Dizziness is one of the most common symptoms in medicine, encompassing vertigo, lightheadedness, and imbalance. Identifying the type of dizziness is the first step to treatment.
Joint Pain: Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment
Joint pain is one of the most common complaints in any doctor's office. From osteoarthritis and gout to autoimmune arthritis and sports injuries, treatment has advanced dramatically.
Unexplained Weight Loss: Causes & When to See a Doctor
Losing 5% or more of body weight over 6โ12 months without intentional dieting is clinically significant and warrants a full medical evaluation.
Hair Loss (Alopecia): Causes, Types & Treatment
Hair loss affects up to 50% of people at some point in their lives. Understanding whether your hair loss is pattern baldness, a medical condition, or a nutritional deficiency guides effective treatment.
Heart Palpitations: Causes, Red Flags & Cardiac Care
Palpitations are the awareness of one's own heartbeat โ often described as fluttering, racing, pounding, or missed beats. Most are benign, but some require investigation.
Swollen Legs & Ankle Oedema: Causes & Treatment
Swollen ankles and legs are a very common complaint, especially during Korea's hot summer months. Most cases are benign, but some reflect serious underlying organ disease.
Frequent Urination: Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment
Urinating 8 or more times per day, or multiple times at night, is considered frequent urination. It can range from a minor inconvenience to a sign of significant underlying disease.
Sudden Vision Changes: Causes, Emergencies & Eye Care
Changes in vision โ whether sudden or gradual โ should never be ignored. From benign refractive errors to retinal detachment and stroke, vision changes span a wide spectrum of urgency.
Numbness & Tingling: Causes, Red Flags & Neurology Care
Tingling, pins and needles, or numbness โ called paraesthesia โ is very common and usually benign. However, certain patterns are red flags for stroke, multiple sclerosis, or serious nerve damage.
Insomnia: Causes, Sleep Hygiene & Treatment
Insomnia โ difficulty falling or staying asleep โ affects millions and has serious consequences for physical health, mental health, and quality of life. Effective treatments are available.
Abdominal Pain: Causes, Red Flags & When to Go to Emergency
Abdominal pain is one of the most common reasons for emergency department visits worldwide. While most causes are benign, some require immediate surgery or urgent investigation.
Fever in Children: Management, Red Flags & Paediatric Care
Fever is the body's natural defence against infection. Most fevers in children are benign and self-limiting, but some patterns require urgent medical assessment.
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