Finding the right doctor is often the hardest part of getting care. Should you go to a general physician or straight to a specialist? Is it a skin problem or an allergy? This guide matches everyday problems to the right kind of doctor.

In an emergency — chest pain, difficulty breathing, signs of a stroke (face drooping, arm weakness, slurred speech), heavy bleeding, a fit or loss of consciousness — call 112 or go to the nearest hospital. Don't wait for an appointment.

Not sure? Start with a general physician

A general physician treats most adult problems — fever, infections, BP, sugar, stomach upsets, weakness — and refers you to a specialist when needed. For children, start with a paediatrician.

Match your problem to the specialist

Skin, hair and nails

Rashes, itching, acne, fungal infections, hair fall → Dermatologist.

Ear, nose and throat

Ear pain, hearing loss, sinus, tonsils, voice problems, vertigo → ENT specialist.

Eyes

Blurred vision, red or painful eyes, cataract → Ophthalmologist (eye specialist).

Teeth and gums

Toothache, bleeding gums, root canal, braces → Dentist.

Bones, joints and back

Knee, back, neck or shoulder pain, fractures, sports injuries → Orthopaedic doctor. Joint swelling in several joints with morning stiffness → Rheumatologist.

Women's health and pregnancy

Periods, PCOS, white discharge, pregnancy, menopause → Gynaecologist.

Heart and blood pressure

Palpitations, breathlessness on walking, high BP that's hard to control → Cardiologist. New chest pain is an emergency.

Stomach and liver

Acidity, stomach pain, constipation, jaundice, blood in stool → Gastroenterologist.

Sugar and hormones

Diabetes → Diabetologist. Thyroid and other hormone problems → Endocrinologist.

Kidneys and urine

Burning urine, kidney stones, prostate problems → Urologist. Kidney disease, high creatinine → Nephrologist.

Brain and nerves

Migraine, fits, numbness, tremors → Neurologist.

Mind and emotions

Low mood, anxiety, sleep problems → Psychiatrist or counsellor. If you have thoughts of harming yourself, call Tele-MANAS on 14416 now.

Lungs and breathing

Long-lasting cough, asthma, breathlessness → Pulmonologist (chest physician).

Making the most of your visit

  • Write down your symptoms: what, since when, what makes them better or worse.

  • Carry previous reports, prescriptions and a list of all medicines, including Ayurvedic or homeopathic ones.

  • Mention allergies, pregnancy and long-term conditions.

  • Ask what the diagnosis is, what the next steps are, and when to come back.

  • You can check a doctor's registration on the National Medical Commission's register.

Let Nirogo find the right doctor for you

Not sure which of these fits? Just describe your problem on Nirogo — in Hindi, English or your own language. We work out the right specialty, and matching clinics in your city contact you directly. It's free, and your details go only to those clinics.

See all specialities or find doctors by city.