Short answer
See a general physician (MD General Medicine) for fevers that last more than a few days, infections, diabetes, high BP, thyroid problems, breathlessness, tiredness, and regular health check-ups. Do not wait for an appointment if you have chest pain, sudden weakness of the face or arm, slurred speech, severe breathlessness or fainting: call an ambulance immediately.
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- Dhruva Hospitals, Kadapa
What a general physician treats
- Fevers and infections, including dengue, typhoid and urine infections
- Diabetes, high BP and high cholesterol
- Thyroid problems
- Breathlessness, cough and chest infections
- Tiredness, weight loss, dizziness and general weakness
- Stomach, liver and kidney problems in adults
- Seriously ill patients who need intensive care
Heart attack: act immediately
- Chest pain that feels tight, crushing or squeezing, which may spread to the arm, neck or jaw
- Shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, or a feeling like indigestion
- Pale or grey skin
Call an ambulance (108) immediately and do not drive yourself. Sit and rest while waiting. If you have aspirin and are not allergic to it, take one 300 mg tablet. If the person stops breathing, start CPR.
Stroke: remember FAST
- Face: one side of the face droops
- Arms: weakness or numbness in one arm
- Speech: slurred or confused speech
- Time: call an ambulance (108) immediately
Other signs include sudden loss of vision, severe headache, dizziness or falling. Even if the symptoms pass quickly, get help straight away. Go to a hospital that can do an urgent CT or MRI scan, because some stroke treatments only work within hours. Do not give food, water or aspirin to someone with stroke signs.
When a health check-up makes sense
Adults with a family history of diabetes, heart disease or high BP, smokers, people who are overweight, and everyone over 40 benefit from regular checks of BP, blood sugar, cholesterol, kidney function and weight. Your physician can advise which tests you need and how often.
What to bring
- A list of your medicines, or the medicines themselves
- Previous reports, prescriptions and discharge summaries
- A note of your symptoms: when they started and what makes them better or worse
At Dhruva Hospitals
Dr. B Surya (MBBS, MD General Medicine, JIPMER) is our consultant physician, diabetologist and critical care specialist. Consultations are in Telugu, English or Tamil. The hospital has a 24/7 emergency team, an ICU with ventilator support, an in-house laboratory, ECG and digital X-ray. Call +91 99599 59694 to book. OPD hours are 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM. In an emergency, call +91 90368 52311.
Common questions
Is a general physician the same as a family doctor?
Both see adults with a wide range of problems. A general physician (MD General Medicine) has postgraduate training in diagnosing and treating adult medical illnesses, including complex and critical cases.
How long should I wait with a fever before seeing a doctor?
See a doctor if a fever lasts more than 2 to 3 days, is very high, or comes with severe headache, rash, breathlessness, vomiting, bleeding or confusion. Older adults and people with diabetes should be seen sooner.
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This article is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. In an emergency, call +91 90368 52311.