As we live our lives, our bodies go through many changes. Sometimes we get sick or have ongoing health problems. That’s why it’s important to have a doctor who can oversee our health problems and assist in our recovery.
This is where internists come in – highly trained doctors specializing in internal medicine and playing a vital role in maintaining our health and overall wellness.
Let’s discuss some common conditions internists treat and how they can help us stay well.
What is an Internist?
An internist is a doctor who takes care of adults. They can help you stay healthy, determine what’s wrong when you’re sick, and treat serious diseases. They also help with long-term health conditions.
If they think you need more specialized care, they can send you to see another doctor (specialist) who knows more about your specific problem.
What is Primary Care?
Primary care is the first place you should go if you have any health problems. A primary care provider can be a family doctor, internist, OB/GYN, or pediatrician. They provide ongoing care for long-term conditions, treat different acute medical problems, and prevent diseases and infections from happening in the first place.
Common Conditions Treated by Internists
Here are some of the common conditions that an internist or primary care provider can treat:
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
High blood pressure is when the force of your blood against your artery walls is too high. This can lead to serious health problems like heart disease and stroke.
An internist can help you control your blood pressure with medication, lifestyle changes, and regular check-ups.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a condition where your body either doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use it properly. Insulin is a hormone that helps sugar get into your cells to be used for energy.
An internist can assist in controlling diabetes by recommending changes to your diet, prescribing medication, and checking your blood sugar levels regularly.
High Cholesterol
Having high cholesterol means there is a lot of fat in your blood, which can make you more likely to get heart disease. An internist can help you control your cholesterol by helping you eat healthily, exercise, and take medicine if needed.
Asthma
Asthma is a medical condition that affects your ability to breathe by narrowing and swelling your airways. If you have asthma, an internist can help you manage it through medication and guidance on avoiding triggers that can worsen your symptoms.
Infections
Internists treat many types of infections, such as ear, respiratory, and urinary tract infections. They can prescribe antibiotics or other medications to help you recover.
Arthritis
Arthritis is a condition that causes pain and swelling in your joints. An internist can help treat arthritis with medicine, exercises, and changes to your daily life. These things can help reduce pain and make it easier to move your joints.
Heart Disease
Heart disease includes conditions like coronary artery disease, heart attacks, and heart failure. An internist can treat heart disease by suggesting ways to change your lifestyle, prescribing medications, and keeping track of your condition regularly.
Digestive Issues
Internists are doctors who can help you with problems in your stomach and digestion, like acid reflux, IBS, and constipation. They can advise on what to eat, prescribe medicine, or try other treatments to make you feel better.
Mental Health Issues
Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your body. Internists can help you with conditions like depression and anxiety by talking to you and sending you to see a specialist if needed. You can rely on them to provide proper care and support in improving your condition.
How to Choose an Internist
Finding the right primary care provider is essential for good health. Look for an internist who:
- Has good reviews and recommendations
- Is conveniently located
- Accepts your health insurance
- Makes you feel comfortable and listens to your concerns
Primary Care in Irmo, SC
Internists play a vital role in keeping adults healthy by treating a wide range of conditions. From managing chronic diseases like high blood pressure and diabetes to treating infections and providing preventive care, they are often the go-to primary care provider for many people.
If you need a reliable primary care provider, consider seeing our internist here at SC Internal Medicine Associates & Rehabilitation. We have a team of highly trained and experienced primary care providers who address various health issues. In addition to primary care, we also offer diagnostic services, Tricare, and aesthetic services.
For more information, please call us today at (803) 749-1111 or schedule your visit through our appointment request form. We look forward to serving you!
