Do you know that in the United States, colds account for more visits to the doctor than any other condition? Studies have also concluded that up to 50% of people suffering from a cold will have a cough.
One in five women will have at least one urinary tract infection (UTI) in their lifetime. Nearly 20% of these women will have another and 30% of those will have yet another UTI.
Do you know that fever in babies under 3 months old is a sign of serious infection and should be taken seriously? Fevers in infants this age require immediate medical attention.
Do you know that urinary tract infections (UTIs) can cause serious complications if not treated properly? Untreated UTIs, in pregnant women, can cause significant pregnancy complications as well.
Studies have shown that drinking a glass of cranberry juice each day may help prevent recurrent urinary tract infections (UTI). Cranberries contain compounds that may prevent certain bacteria from attaching to the urinary tract wall.
What is gestational diabetes? It is a condition in which your blood sugar levels become high during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes usually goes away after your baby is born but increases your risk for Type 2 diabetes later in life.
Because migraine pain is often located over the sinuses, people frequently mistake it for sinus pain. However, over 90% of people who think they have sinus headaches actually have migraines.
Scarlet fever, which is most common in children, is a bacterial illness characterized by a sore throat and rash around the neck and face. Antibiotics are usually prescribed to treat this condition.
Cough, in children, is usually a symptom of the common cold. While it is not serious, it becomes important to see a doctor if your child has a bad cough that won’t go away.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in the last 2 decades, the number of adults diagnosed with diabetes has more than doubled as the American population has become more overweight or obese.
One very important subspecialty of internal medicine is endocrinology. This field deals with the functions of the body’s endocrine system, the hormones it produces, as well as the diseases that may affect it.
The body’s immune system usually recognizes viruses and bacteria as foreign and immediately fights them off. In the case of cancer, however, the cells are mutated versions of our own healthy cells so they may not be recognized as invaders.
If you have a common cold, avoid coffee, tea and other caffeinated drinks. Also, avoid any drinks that contain alcohol. Both caffeine and alcohol are known to cause dehydration which can make your cold worse.
It has been reported that almost 40 million Americans have migraine headaches. Another report has revealed that 70% of all people living with migraine are women. Migraine headaches can be managed with proper care and medications.
The National Kidney Foundation has reported that if you have diabetes, it may be easier for you to get a urinary tract infection (UTI). Often times, the disease affects your body’s immune system, making it difficult to keep bacteria out.
Inflamed joints can bring a lot of pain and discomfort so it isn’t something you should live with. As such, you’re going to want to see a rheumatologist (an internist who specializes in these conditions) to get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Medical issues involving the immune system are best tackled by internists who specialize in them. Known as immunologists, these physicians are trained in diagnosing and treating issues involving the body’s natural defenses.
If you’re interested in a career as an internist, you should prepare yourself for many more years of study after medical school. Typically, a candidate will have to undergo a three-year internal medicine residency and, should he or she wish to subspecialize, another one to four years per subspecialty.
When it comes to cancer, the most appropriate doctor to see would be an oncologist. These internal medicine physicians have chosen to specialize in cancer treatment so they will have the best grasp of the treatment and management that a patient will need.
The practice of internal medicine covers multiple organ systems so it’s important to know which specialist to go to. As such, the guidance of your GP will most likely be needed to ensure that you visit the most appropriate internist.
If your illness has co-morbidities, your internist may choose to seek the help of other specialists. A gastroenterologist, for instance, may enlist the help of an oncologist should his or her patient show signs of bowel cancer.
Free radicals are unstable molecules that can attack the body’s cells. They result in mutations and promote cancer. Eating foods rich in lutein, beta-carotene, and lycopene, such as tomatoes, Brussels sprouts, mango, carrots, and collard greens help fight free radicals.
The microscopic particles of skin shed by pets, such as cats and dogs, are called pet dander. These tiny flecks of the skin can cause allergic reactions in some people.
What is adherence? It is the degree to which a patient follows a doctor’s advice. Blood-pressure medication regimens are known for poor adherence because many patients underestimate the risks of hypertension.
Medications to treat and fight flu are called antiviral medications. These are prescription drugs available in liquid, pill, inhaled powder, and intravenously that help fight the flu virus.
While you may be feeling very healthy, it would still be a good idea to visit your cardiologist every now and then. This becomes particularly important as we age because there may already be cardiac issues that we’re unaware of.
If something’s physically wrong with you, a doctor you may want to visit would be a general internist. These physicians are well-versed in the facets of internal medicine so they will most likely be able to figure out what’s wrong and help you out.