In our rapidly evolving society, we face new diseases and new problems everyday. We google the symptoms and land in chaos ! Whom to consult and who would give the best treatment ? We tend to find ourselves lost with no clue to procced. Let's understand what is the role of Physician and when to consult.
Who is a Physician ?
Physician is a doctor who is specialized in General Medicine with either MD or DNB degree. He deals with a vast variety of diseases. The art of Physician lies in diagnosis. He is an excellent person in differentiating the cause of illness. He looks into different systems of body like - Cardiovascular system, Respiratory System, Gastro Intestinal and Liver Diseases, Nervous system, Blood Disorders, Bone and Muscles, Diabetes - Thyroid and Endocrine diseases, Infections, Poisoning, Bites and Stings etc. Physician has the acumen to point out the problem and treat accurately.
COMMON PROBLEMS TREATED BY PHYSICIANS
1. DIABETES :
A person is labelled as diabetic when his FBS > 126mg/dL , PPBS > 200mg/dL and HbA1c > 6.5g/dL. Common symptoms are increased thirst, frequent urination, repeated eating, weight loss, sleep disturbances, hair loss, weakness, fatigue etc. A physician diagnoses and looks into all aspects of diabetes and identifies the complications before others do. Common complications are - Hypoglycemia (low sugars), Hyperglycemia ( uncontrolled sugars), diabetic neuropathy, retinopathy, nephropathy, heart problems, diabetic foot etc. If you are diabetic or you have a diabetic relative / friend who has uncontrolled sugars - then its time to meet your nearest physician.
2. HYPERTENSION :
Normal blood pressure is 120/80mmHg. Hypertension is defined as BP of > 130 or > 140mmHg. Symptoms include Headache, Giddiness, Irritability, Anger Outbursts, Stress, Blurred vision, Nausea, Vomiting etc. Resistant and Secondary Hypertension which are due to tumors, kidney failure, hormonal imbalance accounts for 10% of cases. In such rare cases your physician will guide you for evaluation with super specialists. Uncontrolled blood pressure leads to complications like stroke, kidney failure, premature heart attacks, memory disturbances.
3. ANEMIA :
Anemia means low hemoglobin for your age and sex. Hemoglobin of less than 12g/dL is called as anemia. When its less than 7g/dL its severe anemia. Anemia can be due to multiple causes like intestinal diseases, liver failure, bone marrow disease, nutritional deficiency, daily blood loss, failure of blood production etc. Anemia though a simple disease , it can be due to wide variety of underlying problems. 90% of anemia cases are evaluated and treated at physicians desk.
4. RESPIRATORY DISEASES :
Respiratory diseases are most common illness followed by gastrointestinal diseases. An ordinary citizen suffers at least twice a year with common cold.
- Simple diseases - Cough, Cold, Wheezing, Sinusitis, Phlegm (kafa / kapha), Breathlessness .
- Major diseases - Bacterial Pneumonia, Lung abscess, ARDS, CoVID, H1N1, Viral Pneumonia.
- Chronic diseases - Asthma, COPD, Chronic Bronchitis, Emphysema, ILD.
are addressed by physician.
Looking into causative aspect of each disease is key towards wellness. A physician along with respiratory illness, looks into overall health of patients.
5. COMMON INFECTIOUS DISEASES :
Bacteria, Viruses, Parasites and Fungus are everywhere around us. Not all of them cause diseases. Few live in harmony with us on our skin, inside our mouth and intestines too. Disease causing pathogens usually cause symptom like fever, chills, weakness, pain, vomiting, loose stools, burning sensation, rashes etc. Common diseases treated by your physician are : Typhoid, Malaria, Dengue, Rickettsial fevers, Chikungunya, Gastroenteritis, Food Poisoning, Sore throat, Flu, Pneumonia, Pus formation, Meningitis (brain fever), H1n1, CoVID, Urinary tract infections (UTI) etc. Most infectious diseases are treated on OPD basis and few require hospitalizations.
6. THYROID AND CHOLESTEROL DISORDERS :
When thyroid gland in our body malfunctions we suffer from different symptoms. Symptoms like weight gain, change of voice, weakness / tiredness, feeling of cold, increased blood flow during periods, constipation are seen with hypothyroidism. Weight loss, palpitations, sweating, diarrhea, short temper are seen with hyperthyroidism. To diagnose thyroid problems Thyroid Profile test is advised in empty stomach. Cholesterol disorders usually don't have any obvious symptoms. They are diagnosed by blood tests or when they causes diseases like heart attacks, strokes, gangrene etc. Lipid Profile test is done in empty stomach for cholesterol problems. Its advised to consult your physician if you feel you have these diseases or you have a strong family history.
7. HEART PROBLEMS :
Heart problems doesn't mean heart attacks, angiography and stenting (PTCA). Various other diseases are cardiomyopathy, heart failure, fast and slow heart beats, myocarditis, valve problems and valve replacement. Common symptoms with heart problems are - Chest pain, sweating, shortness of breath, leg swelling, vomiting, tightness / heaviness in chest, abdomen pain, blackouts etc. Commonly ECG is done to diagnose heart problems. 2D Echo, TMT, Angiography, MRI are other tests done.
Its not just the above 7 diseases; a physician also deals with joint pain, vitamin deficiencies, poisonings, animal / insect bites, obesity associated diseases, STDs, UTI, kidney failure, Gastric issues, Liver and Pancreas problems, Seizures / Epilepsy, Stroke, Parkinson's, Allergy, Low Platelet counts, Memory problems, Hepatitis and many others. If you have a health issue, meet your physician. Its important to diagnose and treat the cause, rather than treat symptomatically. Your family physician should be the first point of contact for your health.
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