General Medicine
General medicine, also known as internal medicine, involves the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a wide range of diseases in adults. General practitioners or internists provide primary care services and manage both acute and chronic conditions.
General Medicine, also referred to as Internal Medicine, is a branch of medicine that deals with the prevention, diagnosis and the non-surgical treatments of diseases that are related to the internal organs.
Typical Cases
- Acute Illnesses: Common infections like the flu, colds, and gastroenteritis.
- Chronic Conditions: Hypertension, diabetes, asthma, arthritis, and thyroid disorders.
- Preventive Care: Health screenings, vaccinations, and lifestyle counseling.
Symptoms and Management
- Acute Illnesses:
- Flu: Fever, chills, muscle aches, cough, congestion, and fatigue. Managed with rest, fluids, antiviral medications, and symptom relief.
- Gastroenteritis: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Managed with hydration, dietary adjustments, and medications for symptoms.
- Chronic Conditions:
- Hypertension: Often asymptomatic but can include headaches, shortness of breath, and nosebleeds. Managed with lifestyle changes and antihypertensive medications.
- Diabetes: Increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and blurred vision. Managed with diet, exercise, oral medications, and insulin.
- Asthma: Wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. Managed with inhalers, bronchodilators, and steroids.
- Arthritis: Joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. Managed with pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and physical therapy.
- Thyroid Disorders: Weight changes, fatigue, and changes in heart rate. Managed with thyroid hormone replacement or antithyroid medications.
- Preventive Care: Routine health check-ups, cholesterol screenings, cancer screenings (e.g., mammograms, colonoscopies), vaccinations (e.g., flu, tetanus), and counseling on diet, exercise, and smoking cessation.
Services Provided
- Routine Check-ups: Regular health assessments to monitor and maintain overall health.
- Acute Illness Management: Diagnosis and treatment of common illnesses such as infections, flu, and minor injuries.
- Chronic Disease Management: Ongoing care for chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, asthma, and arthritis.
- Preventive Care: Screenings for diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes; vaccinations; and health risk assessments.
- Patient Education: Counseling on lifestyle changes, diet, exercise, smoking cessation, and stress management.
- Referrals: Coordinating care with specialists when advanced treatment is required.
Conditions Managed
- Hypertension
- Diabetes mellitus
- Dyslipidemia
- Thyroid disorders
- Respiratory conditions like asthma and COPD
- Gastrointestinal disorders