Which specialist should I see? A symptom-by-symptom guide

Seeing the right specialist first saves time, money and repeat tests. If you're unsure, a medicine specialist is always a safe starting point — they can examine you and refer you on. For common problems, this guide points you in the right direction.

Heart and chest

• Chest pain on exertion, palpitations, breathlessness when walking → Cardiologist
• Long-standing cough, wheezing, asthma, TB follow-up → Chest specialist
• A child with a heart murmur or a hole in the heart → Paediatric cardiologist

Stomach, liver and kidneys

• Acidity, gas, ulcers, repeated loose motion or constipation → Gastroenterologist
• Jaundice, hepatitis B or C, fatty liver → Hepatologist (liver specialist)
• Swelling of the legs, high creatinine, kidney disease from diabetes → Nephrologist
• Kidney stones, burning urine, prostate problems → Urologist

Brain, nerves and mind

• Headache, migraine, stroke, fits, numbness → Neurologist
• Low mood, anxiety, sleeplessness, addiction → Psychiatrist
• Disc prolapse or tumour needing an operation → Neurosurgeon

Bones, joints and muscles

• Fractures, back and knee pain, sports injury → Orthopedic specialist
• Joint pain with swelling and morning stiffness → Rheumatologist
• Rehabilitation after stroke or injury → Physical medicine specialist or physiotherapist

Hormones and diabetes

• High blood sugar, diabetes control → Diabetologist
• Thyroid problems, weight gain, hormone imbalance → Endocrinologist (hormone specialist)

Women and children

• Pregnancy care, irregular periods, infertility → Gynecologist
• Fever, cough or growth concerns in a child → Child specialist
• A child needing an operation → Paediatric surgeon

Still not sure?

Call or WhatsApp our Booking Line and describe the problem. We'll suggest the right specialty and book a doctor who sits on a day that suits you.