internal medicine

Internal medicine, also known as general internal medicine, is one of the most important medical specialties concerned with diagnosing, treating, and monitoring diseases that affect the internal organs in adults. This specialty covers a wide range of health conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid disorders, digestive system diseases, liver and kidney diseases, anemia, lipid and cholesterol disorders, and certain respiratory and immune-related diseases.

At Tabibak, we help you understand the role of the Internal Medicine Department, when you need to visit an internist, what diseases are treated, and what tests the doctor may request to reach an accurate diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan.

What Is Internal Medicine?

Internal medicine is a comprehensive medical specialty focused on diagnosing and treating diseases affecting the internal body systems in adults. An internist is often one of the first doctors patients consult when they experience general or unclear symptoms, such as persistent fatigue, weight loss, digestive disorders, high blood pressure, blood sugar imbalance, or recurrent abdominal pain.

The Internal Medicine Department is distinguished by its comprehensive approach, as it does not focus on one organ only, but evaluates the body as a whole. Therefore, the internist plays an important role in early disease detection, monitoring chronic conditions, coordinating treatment between different specialties, and referring the patient to the appropriate department when needed.

What Diseases Does Internal Medicine Treat?

Internal medicine treats a large number of diseases affecting the internal organs and different body systems. These diseases may be acute and temporary, or chronic conditions that require long-term follow-up. The most common conditions followed by an internist include:

Common Diseases Followed by an Internal Medicine Doctor

• Diabetes: a chronic elevation in blood sugar levels that may cause frequent urination, thirst, fatigue, or weight loss.
• High blood pressure: one of the most common chronic diseases, which may increase the risk of heart and kidney diseases if not controlled.
• Thyroid disorders: may lead to weight changes, palpitations, fatigue, hair loss, or changes in body temperature and energy levels.
• Anemia: often causes fatigue, dizziness, paleness, palpitations, or shortness of breath during exertion.
• High cholesterol: may not cause clear symptoms but increases the risk of arterial and heart diseases.
• Gastritis and ulcers: may appear as stomach pain or burning, nausea, bloating, or discomfort after eating.
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease: causes burning in the chest or throat, burping, or a bitter taste in the mouth.
• Liver diseases: such as fatty liver disease, hepatitis, and liver enzyme disorders.
• Kidney diseases: including urinary tract infections, kidney stones, or impaired kidney function.
• Respiratory diseases: such as asthma, bronchitis, and some chest infections.

Symptoms That Require Visiting an Internist

Some general symptoms may indicate an internal health problem that requires medical evaluation. Therefore, it is recommended to visit an internal medicine doctor when symptoms persist or recur, especially if they affect daily life or are accompanied by noticeable changes in weight, appetite, or energy levels.

• Persistent fatigue or exhaustion without a clear cause
• Sudden weight loss or weight gain
• Repeated high or low blood pressure
• Excessive thirst or frequent urination
• Dizziness, palpitations, or shortness of breath
• Recurrent abdominal or stomach pain
• Persistent heartburn or reflux
• Chronic constipation or diarrhea
• Paleness, fatigue, or hair loss that may indicate anemia or vitamin deficiency
• Swelling in the feet or changes in urine volume
• Recurrent fever or repeated infections
• Persistent joint or muscle pain

Diagnostic Methods in Internal Medicine

The internist relies on a comprehensive evaluation that begins with listening to the patient’s complaint and medical history, followed by a physical examination and appropriate tests according to the case. The goal of diagnosis is to accurately identify the cause of symptoms and detect any disease in its early stages before complications occur.

Main Tests Used in Internal Medicine

• Blood tests: include blood sugar, cholesterol, liver and kidney function tests, complete blood count, vitamins, inflammatory markers, and thyroid function tests.
• Urine tests: help evaluate urinary tract infections, kidney function, the presence of protein or blood in the urine, and certain metabolic disorders.
• Ultrasound imaging: used to examine the liver, gallbladder, kidneys, spleen, and some abdominal organs.
• Computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging: may be requested when a more detailed evaluation of certain organs or complex conditions is needed.
• Electrocardiogram: may be used in cases of palpitations, chest pain, high blood pressure, or to check the electrical activity of the heart.
• Breathing tests: used in some cases of asthma or chronic respiratory diseases.
• Upper endoscopy or colonoscopy: may be recommended in cases of severe heartburn, bleeding, unexplained anemia, or chronic colon disorders.

How Is an Internal Medicine Examination Performed?

An internal medicine examination usually begins by asking the patient about symptoms, how long they have been present, previous diseases, medications used, family history, and lifestyle. The doctor then performs a general physical examination to assess the patient’s health condition.

Steps of an Internal Medicine Examination

• Taking a detailed medical history
• Measuring blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and weight
• Listening to heart and lung sounds
• Examining the abdomen and assessing areas of pain or bloating
• Examining the skin, eyes, lymph nodes, and limbs when needed
• Requesting appropriate laboratory tests or imaging according to symptoms
• Creating a treatment or follow-up plan, or referring the patient to another specialty if necessary

Treatment Methods in Internal Medicine

Treatment methods in the Internal Medicine Department vary according to the type and severity of the disease and the patient’s general condition. The treatment plan may include medications, lifestyle modification, regular follow-up, or cooperation with other specialties in complex cases.

Medication Treatment

The internist prescribes appropriate medications based on the diagnosis, such as diabetes medications, blood pressure medications, thyroid medications, treatments for infections, stomach medications, iron and vitamin supplements, or cholesterol-lowering medications when needed.

Lifestyle Modification

In many internal medicine conditions, lifestyle modification is an essential part of treatment, especially in cases of diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, high cholesterol, and fatty liver disease.

• Following a balanced diet
• Reducing salt, sugars, and unhealthy fats
• Practicing suitable physical activity regularly
• Quitting smoking
• Regulating sleep and reducing stress
• Maintaining a healthy weight

Follow-Up of Chronic Diseases

The internal medicine doctor monitors chronic diseases over the long term, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid diseases, liver and kidney diseases, through periodic tests and treatment adjustments according to test results and the patient’s response.

Prevention and Periodic Check-Ups

The role of internal medicine is not limited to treating disease; it also includes prevention and early detection. Therefore, periodic check-ups are important for detecting high blood sugar, lipid disorders, anemia, liver and kidney diseases, and thyroid disorders before they progress.

When Should You Visit an Internal Medicine Doctor?

It is recommended to visit an internal medicine doctor when you have general, unclear symptoms or need a comprehensive health evaluation. The Internal Medicine Department is also suitable for regular follow-up of chronic diseases and general medical check-ups.

• When experiencing persistent fatigue or general weakness
• When there is a sudden change in weight
• When blood sugar, blood pressure, or cholesterol levels are elevated
• When there are persistent stomach or colon problems
• When infections or fever occur repeatedly
• When symptoms of anemia or vitamin deficiency appear
• When there is a family history of diabetes, high blood pressure, heart, liver, or kidney disease
• For a comprehensive check-up or regular follow-up of general health

Tips Before Visiting an Internist

Good preparation before the appointment helps the doctor evaluate the condition faster and more accurately. Therefore, it is recommended to prepare important medical information before visiting the Internal Medicine Department.

• Write down the symptoms you have and how long they have been present
• Bring a list of the medications and supplements you use
• Bring previous test results or medical images if available
• Inform the doctor about chronic diseases or previous surgeries
• Mention any family history of diabetes, high blood pressure, heart, liver, or kidney disease
• Ask in advance whether fasting is needed for the appointment due to possible laboratory tests

Medical Notice

This content is for medical awareness purposes only and does not replace consultation with a specialist doctor. In cases of severe or sudden symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, bleeding, or very high blood pressure or blood sugar, medical care should be sought immediately.