Which specialist do I need?

Chest pain or pressure that lasts more than a few minutes

Call 112 or 108 for an ambulance now. Emergency teams handle this first, and a cardiologist takes over in hospital.

Emergency: call 112 Source

Chest pain that comes on with exertion and settles with rest

A general physician usually checks this first and refers to a cardiologist. Go to emergency if the pain lasts or comes on at rest.

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Heart racing, fluttering or skipping beats

A general physician can do an ECG and refer to a cardiologist. Seek emergency care if it comes with chest pain, fainting or breathlessness.

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High BP readings at home

A general physician usually confirms and manages high blood pressure, and refers to a cardiologist or nephrologist when needed.

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High cholesterol in a blood test

A general physician usually reviews cholesterol results alongside overall heart risk and refers to a cardiologist if needed.

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Swollen ankles and feet with breathlessness

A general physician checks the heart, kidneys and medicines first. Breathlessness at rest or when lying flat needs urgent care.

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Knee pain when climbing stairs

A general physician or physiotherapist often starts with exercises. An orthopaedic doctor sees knees that stay painful, swell or lock.

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Lower back pain that keeps coming back

Most back pain is handled by a general physician and physiotherapist. Numbness around the bottom or loss of bladder control needs emergency care.

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Neck pain and stiffness from desk work

A physiotherapist commonly treats posture-related neck pain. See a doctor if it comes with arm weakness, fever or follows an injury.

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Joint pain and stiffness in several joints in the morning

A general physician can test for inflammatory arthritis and refer to a rheumatology clinic, which is usually part of a medicine department.

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Heel pain in the morning

Heel pain is often managed with stretching and footwear advice from a physiotherapist. An orthopaedic doctor sees pain that does not settle.

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Sprained ankle or pulled muscle

Most sprains settle with rest and physiotherapy. Go to casualty if you cannot put weight on it or the limb looks out of shape.

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Shoulder pain and trouble lifting the arm

A general physician or physiotherapist usually starts treatment. An orthopaedic doctor sees shoulders that stay stiff or weak.

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Sudden weakness of the face, arm or leg, or slurred speech

Call 112 or 108 now. Stroke treatment works best within hours, so go to a hospital with a stroke team.

Emergency: call 112 Source

Frequent headaches or migraine

A general physician manages most headaches and refers to a neurologist when they are frequent, changing or not helped by treatment.

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A fit or seizure

A first seizure, or one lasting over five minutes, needs emergency care. A neurologist follows up afterwards.

Emergency: call 112 Source

Numbness or tingling in hands or feet

A general physician checks sugar, vitamin B12 and thyroid first, and refers to a neurologist if needed. Sudden one-sided numbness is an emergency.

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Pain shooting down one leg

A general physician and physiotherapist manage most cases. Spine specialists in orthopaedics or neurosurgery see pain that persists or causes weakness.

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Shaking hands or slow movements

A general physician reviews medicines and other causes first, then refers to a neurologist for assessment.

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Memory loss in an older parent

A general physician checks for treatable causes, then refers to a geriatrician, neurologist or psychiatrist. Sudden confusion needs urgent care.

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Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes

Go to an eye hospital or emergency department the same day. Sudden vision loss can be a sign of stroke.

Emergency: call 112 Source

Cloudy or blurred vision with age

An eye doctor checks for cataract and other causes and advises when surgery makes sense.

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Red, sticky or watery eyes

Mild conjunctivitis often settles. See an eye doctor promptly for pain, light sensitivity or changes in vision.

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Eye check with diabetes

People with diabetes are advised to have regular retina checks by an eye doctor, even when vision seems fine.

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Floaters or flashes of light

An eye doctor should check new floaters or flashes urgently, especially with a shadow or curtain over vision.

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Dry, gritty eyes from screen use

An eye doctor or optometrist can check the cause and suggest drops or habits that help.

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Glaucoma in the family

An eye doctor can measure eye pressure and check the optic nerve. A family history is a common reason for regular checks.

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Ear pain or discharge from the ear

A general physician or ENT doctor can examine the ear. Discharge, hearing loss or pain lasting several days needs an ENT review.

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Hearing loss or ringing in the ears

An ENT doctor and audiologist assess hearing. Sudden hearing loss in one ear needs to be seen within a day.

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Blocked nose and sinus pain that will not clear

Most sinusitis settles with simple care from a general physician. An ENT doctor sees sinus problems lasting more than a few months.

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Repeated sore throat or tonsillitis

A general physician treats most sore throats. An ENT doctor sees frequent tonsillitis, and trouble swallowing or breathing needs urgent care.

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Spinning dizziness (vertigo)

A general physician or ENT doctor assesses inner-ear causes. Vertigo with slurred speech, weakness or double vision is an emergency.

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Hoarse voice for more than three weeks

A general physician can review this, and a hoarse voice lasting over three weeks is usually referred to an ENT doctor.

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Sneezing and runny nose with dust or seasons

A general physician manages most allergic rhinitis. An ENT doctor sees symptoms not helped by treatment.

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White patches on skin

A dermatologist examines skin colour changes and can tell apart vitiligo, fungal infection and other causes.

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Acne and pimple marks

A dermatologist treats acne that is painful, scarring or not helped by basic care.

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Hair fall or bald patches

A dermatologist looks at the pattern of hair loss and may order blood tests for thyroid or iron.

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Itchy, ring-shaped rash that keeps spreading

A dermatologist treats fungal infections that do not clear, keep returning or affect several family members.

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Scaly, red patches on elbows, knees or scalp

A dermatologist diagnoses and manages long-term conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.

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Dark patches on the face

A dermatologist assesses pigmentation such as melasma and advises on safe treatment and sun protection.

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A mole that changes shape, size or colour

A dermatologist should check a changing, bleeding or itchy mole soon.

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Burn scars or scars that limit movement

A plastic surgeon assesses scars that tighten skin or restrict movement. Fresh, large or deep burns need emergency care.

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Acidity and heartburn after meals

A general physician manages most acidity. A gastroenterologist sees symptoms lasting weeks, trouble swallowing or weight loss.

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Piles or pain while passing stool

A general physician can start treatment, and a general surgeon sees piles that bleed often or do not settle.

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Blood in stool

A doctor should check this soon. Heavy bleeding, black stools or feeling faint needs emergency care.

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Yellow eyes or skin (jaundice)

A doctor should see jaundice the same day. A gastroenterologist or hepatologist usually manages liver causes.

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Fatty liver on an ultrasound report

A general physician usually reviews liver tests and lifestyle first, and refers to a gastroenterologist if there are signs of damage.

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Bloating, cramps and changing bowel habits

A general physician manages most cases and refers to a gastroenterologist if there is weight loss, bleeding or a lasting change.

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Pain in the upper right belly after fatty food

A general physician arranges an ultrasound for gallstones, and a general surgeon advises on removal. Fever or yellow skin needs urgent care.

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A bulge in the groin or belly

A general surgeon assesses hernias. A painful bulge that will not go back in, with vomiting, needs emergency care.

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Kidney stone pain

A urologist treats kidney stones. Severe pain, fever or vomiting needs emergency care the same day.

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Burning while passing urine

A general physician treats most urine infections. Fever, back pain or repeat infections need a prompt review.

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Waking at night to pass urine, weak flow

A general physician checks sugar and other causes first. A urologist assesses prostate problems in men.

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Blood in urine

A doctor should check blood in urine soon, even if it happens once. A urologist usually investigates the cause.

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High creatinine or kidney function falling

A general physician monitors kidney tests, especially with diabetes or high BP, and refers to a nephrologist when function falls.

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Leaking urine when coughing or laughing

A general physician, gynaecologist or urologist can help. Pelvic floor physiotherapy is often the first treatment.

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Erection problems

A general physician checks for diabetes, heart risk and medicine effects first. A urologist sees cases that need more tests.

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Irregular periods

A gynaecologist usually assesses irregular periods and may check hormones, thyroid and an ultrasound.

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PCOS symptoms: irregular periods, acne, extra hair

A gynaecologist or endocrinologist manages PCOS. Care often covers periods, weight, skin and fertility.

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Very heavy or painful periods

A gynaecologist looks for causes such as fibroids or endometriosis and checks for anaemia.

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Bleeding or severe pain in pregnancy

Heavy bleeding or severe belly pain in pregnancy needs emergency care now. Call 108 or go to the nearest maternity unit.

Emergency: call 112 Source

Not getting pregnant after trying for a year

A gynaecologist or fertility specialist assesses both partners. Women over 35 are often advised to seek help after six months.

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White discharge with itching or smell

A gynaecologist or general physician can check for infection and treat the cause.

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Hot flushes and menopause symptoms

A gynaecologist or general physician can discuss treatment. Any bleeding after periods have stopped needs a prompt check.

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Child with fever

A paediatrician sees children with fever. Get urgent care for babies under three months, drowsiness, breathing trouble or a rash that does not fade.

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Fit with fever in a young child

Call 108 for a first fit or one lasting over five minutes. A paediatrician follows up afterwards.

Emergency: call 112 Source

Newborn baby looks yellow

A paediatrician should check newborn jaundice, the same day if it starts in the first 24 hours or the baby feeds poorly.

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Late talking or not responding to name

A paediatrician or developmental paediatrician assesses speech and social development and refers for therapy.

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Trouble focusing, hyperactive at school

A paediatrician or child psychiatrist assesses attention problems, often with input from school.

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Child's eyes look in different directions

An eye doctor, ideally a paediatric ophthalmologist, should check a squint early, because treatment works best in young children.

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Bedwetting after age five

A paediatrician can check for causes and advise on treatment. It is common and often improves with time.

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Thoughts of suicide or self-harm

Call 112 if in immediate danger. Tele-MANAS on 14416 offers free support at any hour, and a psychiatrist provides ongoing care.

Emergency: call 112 Source

Feeling low or hopeless for weeks

A general physician, psychiatrist or psychologist can help. Tele-MANAS on 14416 is a free first contact.

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Constant worry or panic attacks

A psychiatrist or psychologist treats anxiety and panic. Chest pain should be checked medically first if it is new.

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Cannot sleep at night

A general physician looks at habits, medicines and other causes first, and refers to a psychiatrist or sleep clinic if needed.

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Repeated unwanted thoughts or checking

A psychiatrist or clinical psychologist assesses and treats obsessive-compulsive symptoms.

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Drinking too much or trouble stopping

A psychiatrist or de-addiction centre supports safe withdrawal. Stopping suddenly after heavy drinking can be dangerous without medical help.

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Low mood after having a baby

A gynaecologist, general physician or psychiatrist can help. Thoughts of harming yourself or the baby need emergency help.

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Cough for more than two weeks

A general physician can test for TB, which is free at government centres. A pulmonologist sees coughs that stay unexplained.

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Wheezing and tight chest

A general physician or pulmonologist diagnoses and manages asthma. Severe breathlessness that inhalers do not ease is an emergency.

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Breathless on walking, long-time smoker

A general physician or pulmonologist can do lung function tests for COPD and other causes.

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Loud snoring and daytime sleepiness

A pulmonologist or sleep specialist assesses sleep apnoea, often with a sleep study. ENT doctors also see snoring.

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Fever with cough and fast breathing

A doctor should check this the same day for pneumonia. Blue lips, confusion or severe breathlessness need emergency care.

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Coughing up blood

A doctor should check this promptly. Coughing up more than a few spoonfuls, or with breathlessness, needs emergency care.

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Sugar levels high in a blood test

A general physician usually diagnoses and manages type 2 diabetes, and refers to an endocrinologist when control is difficult.

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Thyroid: tiredness, weight gain, high TSH

A general physician treats most underactive thyroid. An endocrinologist sees results that are hard to control or in pregnancy.

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Weight loss, racing heart and feeling hot

A general physician checks thyroid tests, and an endocrinologist usually manages an overactive thyroid.

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Swelling in the front of the neck

A general physician arranges thyroid tests and an ultrasound. An endocrinologist or surgeon sees lumps or a goitre causing pressure.

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Foot wound or numb feet with diabetes

A doctor should see a diabetic foot wound within a day. Diabetic foot clinics, often run by surgeons, handle ulcers and infection.

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Shaky, sweaty and confused, on diabetes medicine

These can be signs of low sugar, and the treating doctor should review medicines. Unconsciousness or a fit needs emergency care.

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Weight that will not come down

A general physician checks for thyroid and other causes. An endocrinologist or bariatric surgeon sees severe obesity.

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Toothache

A dentist treats toothache. Facial swelling spreading to the eye or neck, or trouble swallowing, needs emergency care.

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Bleeding or swollen gums

A dentist checks for gum disease and can clean and treat it.

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Sensitive teeth with cold or sweet

A dentist looks for causes such as worn enamel, gum recession or decay.

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Wisdom tooth pain

A dentist or oral surgeon assesses impacted wisdom teeth and advises whether removal is needed.

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Mouth ulcer that will not heal

A dentist or doctor should check any mouth ulcer lasting more than three weeks.

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Crooked teeth or braces

A dentist refers to an orthodontist, who plans braces or aligners.

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Bad breath that does not go away

A dentist checks for gum disease and decay first. A general physician looks at other causes if teeth are healthy.

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A lump in the breast

A doctor should examine any new breast lump soon. A breast surgeon or oncologist investigates with imaging and a biopsy if needed.

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White or red patch in the mouth, tobacco user

A dentist, ENT doctor or oral surgeon should check a patch lasting over three weeks, and refers to oncology if a biopsy is needed.

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Bleeding after menopause

A gynaecologist should check any bleeding after periods have stopped, even if it is light or happens once.

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Cervical cancer screening (Pap or HPV test)

A gynaecologist or trained health worker does screening. WHO recommends regular screening for women from age 30.

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Lasting change in bowel habit or weight loss

A doctor should review a change lasting more than a few weeks. A gastroenterologist may arrange a colonoscopy.

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A lump in the neck, armpit or groin

Most lumps are harmless, but a lump lasting over three weeks or growing should be checked. A surgeon may take a biopsy.

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Second opinion after a cancer diagnosis

A medical, surgical or radiation oncologist can review reports and the treatment plan. Bring biopsy slides and scans.

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High fever with body ache during the monsoon

A general physician tests for dengue, malaria and typhoid. Belly pain, vomiting or bleeding after the fever drops needs emergency care.

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Fever with chills that comes and goes

A general physician can test for malaria the same day. Confusion, fits or very dark urine need emergency care.

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Always tired, pale or low haemoglobin

A general physician checks for anaemia, thyroid, sugar and vitamin levels, and finds the cause before treating.

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Losing weight without trying

A general physician investigates unexplained weight loss, checking sugar, thyroid, TB and other causes.

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Elderly parent falling often

A general physician or geriatrician reviews medicines, eyesight, balance and bone health. A physiotherapist helps with strength and balance.

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Annual health check-up

A general physician or family doctor can advise which tests suit your age, family history and risks.

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