General medicine: everyday health problems, prevention and finding a doctor

General medicine is the front door of healthcare: where most people start when they feel unwell, need a check-up or are managing a long-term condition. This page explains what the field covers, the problems that most often bring people to a doctor, how to look after yourself, and how to find and check a provider.

What this field covers

Three closely related specialties sit under general medicine. General practice provides first-contact care for people of all ages: assessing symptoms, diagnosing and treating common illnesses, prescribing, carrying out minor procedures and referring to specialists when needed. Family medicine offers the same kind of continuing care with a particular emphasis on the whole family across the life course. Internal medicine is the specialty of physicians who diagnose and manage diseases in adults without surgery, often more complex or long-term conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease or several conditions at once.

Common problems

High blood pressure (hypertension). Blood pressure that stays persistently high damages arteries and strains the heart, kidneys and eyes. It usually causes no symptoms, which is why it is found by measurement rather than by how a person feels. The WHO hypertension fact sheet (25 September 2025) estimates that 1.4 billion adults aged 30 to 79 had hypertension in 2024 and that about 44% were unaware of it. General practitioners diagnose and manage most cases, with internal medicine or cardiology involved when control is difficult.

Diabetes. Diabetes is a condition in which the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar. Signs can include thirst, passing urine often, tiredness, blurred vision and slow-healing wounds, although type 2 diabetes may be found on a routine test before any symptoms appear. The WHO diabetes fact sheet (14 November 2024) reports that the number of people living with diabetes rose from 200 million in 1990 to 830 million in 2022. Long-term care is shared between general practice and internal medicine.

Respiratory infections. Colds, influenza and chest infections are among the most common reasons for a consultation. A cold usually settles on its own within a week or two; flu tends to come on faster with fever, aches and exhaustion. The NHS advises that antibiotics do not help viral infections. A general practitioner can assess whether a cough or fever needs further tests.

Malaria. In areas where malaria is transmitted, fever with chills, headache and body aches should be tested promptly, since the disease can progress quickly, especially in young children and pregnant women. The WHO malaria fact sheet (4 December 2025) estimated 282 million cases and 610,000 deaths in 2024, with 95% of cases in the WHO African Region. Diagnosis and treatment are usually provided in general practice or medical centres.

Tuberculosis. TB is a bacterial infection that most often affects the lungs. A cough lasting more than two to three weeks, night sweats, weight loss and fever are typical signs. The WHO (24 March 2026) describes TB as preventable and curable, and estimates 10.7 million people fell ill with it in 2024. Diagnosis starts in general practice; treatment is usually coordinated through national TB programmes and physicians.

Asthma. Asthma causes wheeze, breathlessness, a tight chest and cough that come and go, often triggered by exercise, dust, smoke or infections. According to the NHS there is no cure, but well-managed asthma should cause few symptoms. General practitioners manage most asthma, with referral to a physician for difficult cases.

Urinary tract infections. Pain or burning when passing urine, needing to go urgently or more often, and cloudy or smelly urine are common signs. The NHS notes that antibiotics are not always needed and that older people, men, pregnant women and anyone with blood in their urine should be assessed promptly. General practice handles most cases.

Diarrhoea and vomiting (gastroenteritis). Usually caused by viral or bacterial infection or contaminated food or water. Most cases settle in a few days with fluids. The main risk is dehydration, particularly in young children and older adults. Typhoid fever, which the NHS describes as a bacterial infection spread through contaminated food and water, causes prolonged fever and needs antibiotic treatment arranged by a doctor.

Anaemia. A shortage of healthy red blood cells leaves people tired, short of breath and pale. Iron deficiency is the most common cause, and the WHO (10 February 2025) estimates that anaemia affects 37% of pregnant women and 30% of women aged 15 to 49 worldwide. A simple blood test diagnoses it; general practitioners investigate and treat the underlying cause.

Chronic disease review. Many people live with more than one long-term condition. Internal medicine physicians and family doctors coordinate medication, monitor for complications and adjust treatment over time.

Prevention and self-care basics

• Know your numbers. Have your blood pressure, blood sugar and weight checked at the intervals your doctor recommends, since the most damaging common conditions are silent in their early stages.
• Eat a varied diet with plenty of vegetables, fruit, legumes and whole grains, and limit salt, sugar and heavily processed food. The WHO cardiovascular diseases fact sheet (31 July 2025) names unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, tobacco and harmful alcohol use among the main modifiable risk factors.
• Be physically active most days.
• Do not smoke, and keep alcohol low or avoid it.
• Keep vaccinations up to date for yourself and your children, including travel vaccines when relevant.
• Wash hands with soap, drink safe water and store food safely to prevent diarrhoeal illness and typhoid.
• Where malaria is present, sleep under an insecticide-treated net and seek testing for any fever.
• Take prescribed medicines as directed and keep review appointments.

When to see a professional

See a general practitioner or family doctor for symptoms that persist beyond a week or two, a fever you cannot explain, a cough lasting more than three weeks, unexplained weight loss or tiredness, a wound that is not healing, or a routine check if you have not had one in a while. Also book an appointment if a long-term condition changes, or if you have questions about medicines, contraception or vaccinations. A general practitioner can refer you onwards when further care is needed.

Warning signs that need urgent care

Seek emergency care immediately for:

• Chest pain or pressure, especially with breathlessness, sweating or pain spreading to the arm, neck or jaw.
• Sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg, slurred speech or confusion.
• Severe difficulty breathing, or an asthma attack that does not improve with a reliever inhaler.
• Signs of sepsis described by the NHS: confusion or slurred speech, blue, grey or blotchy skin, a rash that does not fade when a glass is rolled over it, fast breathing, or a very high or very low temperature.
• Severe dehydration, particularly in a child or older person who is drowsy, not passing urine or unable to keep fluids down.
• A severe allergic reaction with swelling of the face or throat, or difficulty breathing.
• Fever with a stiff neck, severe headache or sensitivity to light.

If you think you have a medical emergency, contact your local emergency services.

How to find and check a provider

HealthNaro lists medical centres, hospitals, general practitioners, family physicians and internal medicine specialists. Each listing carries a verification label that tells you what has been checked: Public listing, Contact verified, Reviewed by HealthNaro or Credentials verified. HealthNaro does not endorse providers; the labels describe our checks, not the quality of care.

It is reasonable to ask a clinic whether the doctor is registered with the national medical regulator, what the consultation fee covers, whether laboratory tests are done on site and how referrals work. Browse providers by specialty:

• General Practice
• Family Medicine
• Internal Medicine

Our consulting service is free: tell us what you need and we will help you find a suitable clinic.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a general practitioner and a physician? A general practitioner provides first-contact care for all ages and all kinds of problems. A physician (internal medicine specialist) has further training in diagnosing and managing adult medical conditions and is usually seen on referral or for complex or long-term illness.

Do I need antibiotics for a cold or flu? No. Both are caused by viruses, and the NHS notes that antibiotics do not work against them. A doctor can advise if a bacterial complication, such as a chest infection, is suspected.

How often should I have a health check? This depends on your age, family history and existing conditions. Blood pressure and blood sugar checks are the ones most people benefit from; ask your doctor what interval suits you.

Can a general practitioner manage my diabetes or high blood pressure long term? In most cases, yes. Referral to an internal medicine physician or other specialist is usual when control is difficult or complications develop.

This page is general information, not medical advice.