What Is The Function Of Internal Medicine? – 5 Major Conditions Internist Treat

Internal medicine physicians, also known as internists, concentrate on holistic adult care. Although the term “internal medicine” could imply that these practitioners only address internal ailments, this is not true. Internal medicine doctors treat the entire individual, dealing with a wide range of issues, from preventative healthcare to chronic care management and more. These professionals provide lifelong care to their patients, from their late teenage years through old age. Besides, triad internal medicine focuses on not only identifying and treating the disease but also addressing its root cause. Continue reading to learn more about what conditions these doctors treat.

• Cardiovascular-Related Issues

Though some heart issues might necessitate the expertise of a cardiologist, an interest can treat specific concerns linked to the heart and circulatory system. This is particularly true if your condition is mild to moderate.

Hypertension, which refers to elevated blood pressure, is one common condition internists treat. Your physician will examine your blood pressure, run urine and blood testing, and discuss your lifestyle behaviors concerning this issue. Then, your doctor can prescribe medication and suggest lifestyle modifications to treat the condition.

• Respiratory Disease

If you have a problem affecting your lungs, an internist can help. For instance, an internal medicine doctor will offer prescription medication if you suffer from an acute respiratory infection induced by fungi or bacteria.

Besides, an internal medicine doctor could effectively manage asthma. Most internists use breathing tests like a peak flow assessment to measure how forcefully you can exhale. This test evaluates your pulmonary function and determines if your asthma is worsening, improving, or stable. Depending on your condition, your doctor may prescribe drugs, but still, regularly monitor your status and tweak therapy as required.

• Bone-Related Difficulties

If you are dealing with a bone-related issue like osteoporosis or osteoarthritis, an internist can help. Your physician may suggest you have an MRI or X-ray to examine your bones. Afterward, your doctor might suggest a pain reliever or medication that halts or delays the condition’s progression. If necessary, your internal medicine doctor will regularly assess the progress of your condition and provide necessary pain relief.

• Endocrine Diseases

If you have hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, or another disorder affecting your endocrine system, you should consider restoring to an internal medicine practitioner. These concerns might require a thyroid scan, an ultrasound, blood tests, or other diagnostic procedures. While medications are frequently prescribed for these endocrine problems, your doctor could also suggest adopting a healthier lifestyle as a component of the treatment.

• High Cholesterol

High cholesterol develops once the blood has excess cholesterol, which mainly comprises lipids or fats. Unfortunately, this condition has no apparent symptoms. Therefore, your internist must perform a blood test to examine your cholesterol levels.

Preferably, one should have increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and lesser low-density lipoprotein. Unlike HDL, which contains more protein, LDL has more fats. Therefore, if these LDL levels are high, they can block the blood vessels. Your internist will provide you with a good plan to keep your cholesterol levels in check.

Internists offer lifelong primary care to patients from early adulthood. Thanks to their extensive medical training, these practitioners can identify and treat patients with virtually every illness or disease. Your internal medicine doctor will issue the necessary prescriptions, and if you exhibit symptoms that need specialist care, they can refer you to a trusted professional. Moreover, internists are skilled in ensuring you remain up-to-date on vaccinations. If you want to explore the many benefits of internal medicine, consult your provider.