Who is General Physician and When to Consult Him?
General Physician (GP) is often called a General Practitioner. A GP specializes in family medicine and are qualified to provide treatment, prevention, and cures for a wide range of physical and mental problems regardless of a patient’s age and gender.
They perform routine screenings for certain health conditions and provide lifestyle recommendations and follow-up care for chronic conditions such as:
- High blood pressure
- Risk factors for heart disease
- Risk factors for diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Cancer
- Sexually transmitted diseases
- Depression
General Physicians can also treat acute (short-term) conditions, such as:
- Minor wounds
- Asthma attacks
- Migraines
- Urinary tract infections
- Colds and flu
- Fever
- Dehydration
- Minor broken bones
- Skin infections or rashes
- Muscle strains and sprains
In case of a mental health crisis, your general physician can connect you with a mental health specialist.
You can now book a tele-appointment with the best general physician in Karachi at Memon Medical Institute (MMI).
Reasons To Consult a General Physician
You can visit your general physician to discuss a variety of health concerns, from cough and cold to fever and migraine. Some of the reasons to consult your GP are:
If you have a persistent high fever
Fever is one of the ways your body fights infections. But if you have a fever above 39.4 ° C (103 ° Fahrenheit) or a fever that lasts longer than three days, you should consult a general physician.
If you have a cold and it becomes bad
If your cold doesn’t disappear or gets worse, seek general physician help. A cough that lasts more than two weeks can show symptoms of whooping cough, while untreated congestion can lead to sinus infections. It is best to consult a general physician.
If you lose weight suddenly or without trying
Unexplained weight loss can be caused by a variety of different conditions, such as depression, liver disease, diabetes, or an overactive thyroid. If you’ve been experiencing unexplained weight loss in the past six months (and you’re not overweight), make an appointment with your General Physician.
If you experience shortness of breath
If you experience shortness of breath, visit a general physician and ask about the possible causes. Shortness of breath may be symptomatic of asthma, bronchitis, or other illnesses. Lack of air can also be related to stress, anxiety, and panic.
If you have pain in the chest, abdomen, or pelvis
Abnormal, intense, and permanent pain in the chest, abdomen, or pelvis can indicate serious problems that require immediate medical attention. For example, chest pain usually means a heart attack, abdominal pain could mean a presence of gallstones or appendicitis, and pelvic pain might mean a kidney infection.
Changes in bowel movements or urination
Bowel movements and urination vary from person to person. A sudden change in your pattern (e.g., a bloody or black stool, diarrhea, constipation; or excessive urination) should prompt a trip to your general physician.
If you have any confusion or changes in mood
Mood changes and confusion can be symptoms of mental illness, such as a side effect from an infectious disease or drug interaction. Be on the lookout for problems with thinking or focus, abnormal sleep patterns, and anxiety or depression.
Finding a good doctor that you can build a relationship with over time is the most effective way to manage your health. You may need to visit a few different doctors before you find the one that you like and feel comfortable with. Over time, the General physician will also get to know you and become familiar with your medical history.