General medicine in everyday care
General medicine is the branch of practice that looks after adults with illnesses of every body system. A doctor with an MD in Medicine or a DNB in General Medicine evaluates symptoms, orders appropriate tests, treats most common conditions and refers you to a super-specialist when needed. Because India has a heavy load of infectious and lifestyle diseases side by side, general medicine doctors handle everything from dengue and typhoid to diabetes and heart risk.
When to visit
- Fever with chills, body ache or rash, particularly after the monsoon: dengue, malaria and typhoid are common.
- Cough, cold, sore throat, burning urine or loose motions that are not settling in a few days.
- Diabetes, hypertension or thyroid monitoring and medicine adjustment.
- Weakness, giddiness, weight loss, loss of appetite or persistent headache.
- Swelling of the feet, breathlessness, yellow eyes or dark urine.
- Understanding abnormal lab reports from a check-up.
Why a proper diagnosis matters
Many illnesses start with the same symptoms. A fever may be viral, or it may be dengue, malaria, typhoid or a urinary infection, and each is treated differently. Self-medicating with antibiotics or painkillers can mask the cause, worsen dengue bleeding risk (for example with aspirin or ibuprofen), and contribute to antibiotic resistance, which is a serious problem in India.
Useful first tests
Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may advise a CBC, CRP, dengue NS1 or IgM, malaria test, typhoid test, blood sugar and HbA1c, liver and kidney function, thyroid profile and urine routine. Results guide whether you can recover at home or need admission. Keep copies of reports so the next doctor can compare.
Warning signs that need urgent care
Go to a hospital for high fever with severe headache, stiff neck or confusion, persistent vomiting, breathing difficulty, chest pain, severe abdominal pain, bleeding, very low urine output or a child who is hard to wake.
Fees and choosing a doctor
Fees commonly range from about ₹300 to ₹1,000 and may vary by city and clinic. Choose a qualified, approachable doctor with good follow-up, who explains what is wrong and what to expect. Look for patient reviews about waiting time and clarity of explanation.
Online consultation
Online consultation is convenient for mild illness, review of results and repeat prescriptions. Severe or worsening symptoms need an examination in person. Compare doctors on Lab Dekho and book an in-clinic or video visit.
Trusted References
This guide is original content informed by recognised medical and public-health sources. For further reading:
Disclaimer: This guide is for general information and does not replace advice from a qualified doctor. Costs and fees are approximate and vary by provider. Institution names are given for orientation only; check current services and timings directly. In an emergency, call 108 or 112.