The Body’s Dashboard

A Symptom Traffic Light

Red Light: Seek Emergency Care Immediately (Call 911)

These are the “stop everything” signals. Do not wait. Do not Google. Do not “see if it gets better.”

Chest pain or pressure, especially with breathlessness, sweating, nausea, or pain radiating to the arm, jaw, or back. In women, symptoms may be atypical: extreme fatigue, upper back pain, nausea without chest pain. Take it seriously regardless.

Sudden severe headache — the worst of your life, arriving like a thunderclap. This can indicate a brain haemorrhage.

Sudden difficulty speaking, facial drooping, or weakness on one side of the body. This is a stroke. Use FAST (see Appendix C). Minutes matter.

Severe difficulty breathing that is not explained by exertion.

Anaphylaxis — rapidly spreading hives, facial or throat swelling, difficulty breathing, dizziness. Administer epinephrine if available (see Appendix C), then call emergency services.

Uncontrolled bleeding that does not slow with direct pressure.

Sudden severe abdominal pain, especially if rigid or accompanied by fever.

Loss of consciousness, seizures, or sudden confusion.

Meningitis signs: severe headache with stiff neck, light sensitivity, and a non-blanching rash (press a glass against it — if the spots do not fade, go now).

Suicidal ideation with a plan or intent. This is a medical emergency. See Appendix C for crisis contacts.

Yellow Light: See a Doctor Within 24-48 Hours

These are not emergencies, but they need attention. Book an appointment. Do not ignore them.

A fever lasting more than three days in an adult, or any fever in an infant under three months.

Persistent pain that is not resolving or is getting worse.

Unintended weight loss — particularly if significant (more than 5 percent of body weight) and unexplained.

A lump that is new, growing, or otherwise unusual. Most lumps are benign. The ones that are not need to be found early.

Persistent changes in bowel or bladder habits lasting more than a few weeks.

A cough that will not go away, particularly if producing blood.

Persistent fatigue not explained by poor sleep and not resolving with rest.

A mole that has changed: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Colour variation, Diameter over 6 mm (¼ in), Evolving (the ABCDE rule).

Persistent low mood or anxiety interfering with daily function for more than two weeks. These are symptoms, not character traits, and they are treatable.

Any symptom you cannot explain that has persisted for more than two to three weeks.

Green Light: Monitor and Schedule If Persistent

The “probably fine, but keep an eye on it” zone. Common, usually self-limiting, rarely requiring professional help unless they persist or worsen.

The common cold. Miserable but self-limiting. Rest, hydrate. Antibiotics do nothing for viral infections.

Minor muscle aches and joint stiffness after unfamiliar activity.

Occasional headaches, particularly if you can identify triggers (dehydration, tension, screens, poor sleep).

Minor digestive complaints — occasional bloating, mild heartburn, irregular bowel movements.

Temporary sleep disruption during periods of stress.

Mild dizziness on standing quickly — usually a transient blood pressure adjustment.

Mild seasonal allergy symptoms.

The General Principle

When in doubt: see a professional. No symptom guide replaces clinical judgment. But most of the time, your body is not trying to kill you — it is trying to communicate. The skill is learning to listen without panicking.