Types of Conditions Treated by Internal Medicine Doctor

When you make an appointment with internal medicine doctor at a clinic, you do not only see them for minor ailments, but also for certain major physiological conditions. Internal medicine practitioners, by virtue of their extensive training, are skilled to treat medical disorders concerning all the body’s organ systems.

What is Internal Medicine and an Internist

Internal medicine deals with the diagnosis, mitigation, prevention, and cure of diseases pertaining to adults. The medical specialty allows physicians to use their knowledge and practical expertise to deal with a broad spectrum of medical ailments in patients above the age of 18. The physician who specializes in internal medicine is known as an internist.

Internists are trained to

• Deal with various signs and symptoms to provide accurate and concise diagnosis
• Counsel patients for the prevention of potential ailments, and for general good health and wellbeing.
• Provide life-long care to the patient
• Provide comprehensive and compliable primary health care.

Difference Between Internal and Family Medicine

When you read about an internal medicine physician, you wonder if it is the same as a family medicine practitioner. The key difference between the two specialties is that family medicine deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases in patients of all ages, whereas internal medicine deals with adults.

When Do You Choose Either of the Ones?

If you want to see a doctor for general consultation for you or your family, you may schedule an appointment for a family medicine practitioner. On the other hand, for more comprehensive patient care, an internist is a better choice. Apart from the prevention of diseases, an internal medicine physician may also eradicate the need for a specialist doctor, as the former can treat disorders of most of the body’s organ systems.

Types of Conditions Treated by Internal Medicine Doctors

Since an internal medicine doctor is not limited to patient demographic, organ, or organ system – they possess the capability to diagnose, manage, and treat a broad spectrum of diseases. Internists are rightfully claimed to be proficient in the management of chronic diseases, prevention of potential ailments, and health promotion.

From routine allergies and common problems like hypertension to gender-specific physiological dysfunction,  an internist is skilled to provide primary care for adults, regardless of their presenting complaint. Following are the conditions, in which internal medicine doctors are skilled to provide treatment.

Allergy:

An internist can diagnose and manage common allergic conditions such as sinusitis, pharyngitis,  and skin allergies. Furthermore, they also conduct rhinoscopy for a better evaluation of the nose, throat, and airways.

Cardiovascular conditions

While it is recommended to visit a cardiologist for matters concerning the cardiovascular system, you can also see an internist in case of mild to moderate conditions. From common medical conditions such as hypertension to complicated ones like,

• Acute decompensated heart failure
• Acute myocardial infarction
• Cardiac arrest
• Cardiogenic shock complicating acute myocardial infarction
• Failed fibrinolysis (thrombolysis) or threatened reclusion in acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction
• Myopericardial disease
• Narrow QRS complex tachycardias
• New-onset atrial fibrillation
• Non-sustained ventricular tachycardia

An internist can solely manage these conditions or work together with a cardiac specialist to prevent further complications.

Pulmonary conditions

Since an internal medicine doctor is trained in the pulmonary subspecialty, they can expertly diagnose, manage and treat pulmonary conditions related to lungs, airways, thoracic cavity, and the chest wall. Furthermore, they also treat acute respiratory infections caused by bacteria or fungus by prescribing antibacterial or antifungal drugs.

In addition, an internist can also;

• Manage asthmatic conditions by the use of peak flow evaluation and drugs such as bronchodilators and albuterol inhalers.
• Diagnose chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by conducting computerized tomography (CT) or by arterial blood gas analysis. After the diagnosis, he may consult a pulmonologist or other internist practicing pulmonary medicine for a detailed treatment plan.

Orthopedic conditions

You can visit an internist for minor orthopedic ailments such as osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. The physician may recommend an X-ray or MRI for better screening of the bone condition. Followed by the screening, the internist will prescribe you a medication regimen and may also schedule you for follow-up visits to monitor the progress of the treatment.

Endocrine, glandular, and metabolic disorders

It is not always necessary to visit an endocrinologist when you can talk to your internal medicine doctor regarding your condition. The primary care provider is proficient to treat endocrine disorders such as hyper or hypothyroidism and diabetes.

For the treatment of diabetes, the internist will prescribe insulin or hyperglycemic drugs to either increase insulin production and efficacy or to slow down the absorption of glucose from the gastrointestinal tract.

GI-related disorders

The physician can diagnose, manage, treat, and prevent GI disorders such as gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), intestinal and duodenal ulcers, acute and chronic constipation, and diarrhea.

Gender-specific disorders

In addition, men and women can schedule an appointment with their internal medicine doctor for

• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH),
• And erectile dysfunction for men
• Reproductive disorders for women

Renal disorders

An internist can also treat matters concerning the urinary system as such urinary tract infections, urinary inconsistency, and kidney stones.

1. Physiological concerns, such as anxiety, depression, and insomnia.
2. Critical care medicine

Internal medicine doctors are subject to a year-long service to hospitalized patients, out of which, they dedicate 3 months to the intensive/critical care units. Therefore, they are skilled to provide pulmonary and cardiac assistance to critical care patients.

Chronic Venous Disease (CVD) Management

Internal medicine physicians can also manage the chronic venous disease, in which the valves in the leg vein are damage, which leads to the return of the blood in veins, resulting in stasis.

Wound care management

Internists are capable of providing tailor-made primary care to wounds that do not begin to heal by 2 weeks and do not completely heal by 6 weeks.

Apart from these conditions, an internal physician can treat conditions related to;

• Geriatric medicine
• Hematology
• Oncology
• Rheumatology
• Infectious disease
• Dermatology

Can Internal Medicine Practitioners Perform Surgical and Lab Procedures?

Since an internist is an expert in diagnosing disease, followed by its complete management, they are capable of running tests and procedures that help in diagnosis and monitoring of the disease.

Also Read: 9 reasons why swimming is good for body and mind!

Invasive Procedures that an Internist Can Perform

• Venipuncture to draw blood
• Arterial puncture for blood gases evaluation
• Intubation
• IV line insertion
• Placement of urinary catheters and NG tub

Lab Procedures that an Internist Can Perform

• Echocardiogram, angioplasty, stent, and pacemaker insertion
• Thyroid biopsy, bony destiny testing
• Endoscopy, liver biopsy, endoscopic ultrasound
• Bone marrow biopsy
• Bronchoscopy, vent management
• Kidney biopsy, dialysis

How To Pick the Right Internal Medicine Doctor

You may visit an internist for whatever reason, but it’s important to pick the right doctor and clinic to ensure you receive unparalleled treatment. To do so here’s what you should consider

1. Customer service: Does the clinic guide you thoroughly during the appointment procedure? Do they give a satisfactory answer to each of your queries? If yes, then you know that this is the right place to make an appointment. Clinics with exceptional customer service also contribute to patients’ compliance.
2. Professionalism: A professional doctor is not one with unmatched medical expertise, but one that renders empathy and kindness to its patients. An internal medicine physician that listens to you attentively, will help you to share your medical concerns in detail.