Internal medicine is the branch of medicine revolving around the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of undifferentiated and multi-system diseases and their processes. The specialty of internal medicine covers a wide range of conditions affecting the internal organs of the body - the heart, the lungs, the liver and gastrointestinal tract, the kidneys and urinary tract, the brain, the spinal column, nerves, muscles, and joints. 

What’s an Internal Medicine Physician?

An Internal Medicine physician (aka internist), is an expert specializing in adult medicine, trained to solve diagnostic problems. They have life-long relationships with adult patients, and their recommendations are based on each patient’s unique situation. With their training and knowledge of the entire human body and its organ systems, they have a unique perspective of how everything works in unison. This wide-reaching branch of medicine combines the analytical examination of laboratory science with a personalized approach to the various elements of adult medicine. 

What do Internal Medicine Specialists do?

An Internal Medicine Physician can treat a variety of illnesses from infections to diabetes. Some of the care services performed by an Internal Medicine Physician include:

• Conducting physical exams

• Performing patient histories

• Ordering and interpreting, laboratory tests, and imaging

• Guiding the care, prevention, and treatment of medical disorders

• Diagnosing health care problems including medical diseases and illnesses

• Prescribing and refilling prescription medications

• Performing physical exam maneuvers to diagnose musculoskeletal disorders

What are the subspecialties of Internal medicine?

With the wide variety of training, Internal medicine has the foundation needed to specialize in other areas of medicine. Some of the most popular subspecialties of Internal Medicine include:

• Cardiology

• Endocrinology

• Gastroenterology

• Hematology

• Infection diseases

• Nephrology

• Oncology

• Pulmonary disease

• Rheumatology

Reasons to See an Internist

Abdominal Pain

Pain in the abdomen may be caused by a variety of reasons, from something relatively minor, such as a muscle strain or a stomach virus. But also, acute appendicitis, and several cancers may cause abdominal pain. An internist can help you determine the cause of your pain and the next steps you must take.

Chest Pain

Although chest pain is sometimes a sign of a heart attack, that isn’t always the case. Sometimes chest pain is caused by problems in the lungs or gastrointestinal system. If your pain is less severe than a heart attack, an internist may be able to diagnose your problem. 

What to Expect at the Internist?

During a visit with an internist, the doctor will check your vital signs, as well as go over your medical history and list of medications. Your internist will also give you a physical exam to get a complete picture of your health, this exam typically includes:

• Looking at your general appearance, including your posture and how you move

• Listening to your heart, checking for a heart murmur, irregular heartbeat, or other unusual sounds

• Listening to your breathing, checking for crackles, wheezing, or shortness of breath

• Looking at your eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and throat

• Checking your skin and nails

Your internist may suggest more screening tests to make sure of your overall health. You may be asked to come back for a follow-up visit, or your doctor may advise that you see a different specialist.

What medical conditions do Internal Medicine doctors treat? 

An Internal medicine doctor sees adult patients with many kinds of acute and chronic health conditions. Some of the most common healthcare problems treated are:

• Allergies

• Anxiety

• Arthritis

• Asthma

• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

• Chronic bronchitis

• Congestive heart failure

• Coronary artery disease

• Depression

• Emphysema

• Erectile dysfunction

• Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD)

• High blood pressure

• High cholesterol

• Infectious diarrhea

• Joint and bone disorders and injuries

• Pharyngitis

• Sinusitis

• Skin disorders

• Stomach Ulcers

• Urinary tract conditions such as kidney stones, infections, and urinary incontinence

Internal medicine treatments and services

• Preventive care: An internist provides information about disease prevention and wellness. They also perform annual exams to keep you healthy. With screening tests, they can find problems early and reduce the risk of diseases. 

• Evaluation and diagnosis: In case of experiencing unusual symptoms, you should contact your internist. They will do a thorough evaluation to find the cause of your symptoms.

• In-office procedures: Your internist can perform skin biopsies and joint injections in the office. 

• Treatment of acute conditions and injuries: Acute conditions and injuries such as flu, muscle pain, or infection can be treated by your internist. They can also treat deep cuts and ankle sprains without the need for you to visit the emergency room.

• Management of complex, chronic diseases: Internists can also provide ongoing care to manage chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. They will also adjust your medication to meet your changing needs.

• Referrals: In case you need more advanced care, your internist can refer you to the right specialist. 

Is Internal Medicine Primary Care?

Both internal medicine and family medicine are considered primary care physicians. They can both diagnose and treat numerous ailments, and they can help to prevent disease and detect health issues early on when they are still treatable.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Internal Medicine stands as a cornerstone in the field of healthcare, providing comprehensive care to adults across a broad spectrum of illnesses. It is a discipline characterized by a deep understanding of the scientific principles underlying health and disease, and the ability to apply this knowledge in a patient-centered manner. The practice of Internal Medicine requires a lifelong commitment to learning and adaptation in the face of an ever-evolving body of clinical knowledge and healthcare delivery systems. The future of Internal Medicine holds promise for continued advancements in disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, ultimately aiming to improve patient outcomes and quality of life. As we move forward, the role of the internist will remain pivotal in navigating the complexities of adult healthcare, underscoring the enduring value of this specialty.