Taking care of your health and that of your loved one is essential. However, most people often don’t know the type of doctor they should go to see. Fortunately, an internal medicine doctor can offer a wide range of medical services to you and your family members. Managing and treating your disease is essential to regain overall good health, and this is exactly what internal medicine Rockville, MD, does. Internists often manage patients with more than one condition. It is hence essential to find out more if you are looking for a new doctor. Here is a look at the various conditions an internal medicine doctor treats.
Who Should See an Internal Medicine Doctor?
Unlike a family care doctor that treats the whole family, including kids, an internal medicine doctor only treats adults. This means that anyone in your family who is 18 years and above can see an internist. Keeping this in mind, an internal medicine doctor can treat many acute and chronic diseases. Regardless of your reason, you can visit an internist if you have attained 18 years. Some of the common conditions you should consider seeing an internal medicine doctor include;
Cardiovascular Diseases
While some heart conditions might need a cardiologist, an internal medicine doctor can handle some cardiovascular issues, particularly mild conditions. For example, an internist can treat hypertension by conducting tests and prescribing medications and lifestyle changes. The doctor can also treat heart diseases such as heart defects, coronary artery disease, and arrhythmias. They can also act as a cardiologist to manage your cardiovascular condition.
Respiratory Diseases
General internal medicine doctors or those who specialize in pulmonary medicine can help treat respiratory issues. These respiratory diseases include; chronic obstructive lung disease, lung cancer, asthma, cystic fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension, complex lung infections, etc. They will provide the appropriate diagnosis and offer you the treatment or management you need to improve.
Endocrine Disorders
You should consider seeing an internal medicine doctor for primary care if you have hypothyroidism, diabetes, or other conditions affecting your endocrine system. So, if you are looking for a doctor to help manage diabetes, an internist is right for that job. The internist will conduct various tests to examine your condition and prescribe medications and lifestyle changes.
Bone-Related Issues
If you are struggling with bone-related conditions such as osteoporosis or osteoarthritis, an internist might help. These doctors might recommend you undertake an MRI or X-ray to examine your bones. Based on the diagnosis, they might recommend medications to help relieve pain and halt the condition’s progression. Your internal medicine doctor will continuously monitor your condition’s progression until you overcome it.
Ultimately, an internal medicine doctor is sufficiently equipped to help you and your family get the necessary care. They can diagnose and treat infectious diseases, and cardiovascular diseases, provide insights into allergies, etc. In some cases, your internist might recommend you to another specialist for diagnosis and will then step in to help manage the condition in the long term. So, if you are looking for a new doctor to help prevent or treat a condition, an internal medicine doctor has the knowledge, experience, and passion for giving effective, high-quality care for various health conditions affecting adults.
