Internal illnesses

Internal diseases: basics of diagnosis and treatment

Internal diseases are a group of diseases that affect the organs of the internal human systems, such as the respiratory, digestive, cardiovascular, kidney, blood, connective tissue system, endocrine glands and metabolism. Treatment of these diseases is usually carried out by a general practitioner, who uses a variety of diagnostic and treatment methods.

To recognize internal diseases, modern medicine uses not only traditional research methods, such as examination, questioning, palpating, tapping and listening to the patient, but also complex biochemical and instrumental diagnostic methods, including endoscopy. Treatment of internal diseases is usually carried out by conservative methods, such as drug therapy, diet, physical therapy, spa treatment, etc.

The term "internal medicine" is also used to designate the clinical discipline that studies the causes and mechanisms of development of these diseases, as well as developing methods for their recognition, treatment and prevention. The history of this discipline until the 19th century coincides with the history of medicine in general, since only surgery and obstetrics were independent branches of medicine. However, the achievements of pathological anatomy, pathological physiology, bacteriology and various methods of studying the patient created the prerequisites for the development of internal diseases as a natural science discipline.

The founders of this discipline in Russia were M.Ya. Mudrov, S.P. Botkin, G.A. Zakharyin and A. Ostroumov. The further development of internal diseases was based on the achievements of physics, chemistry, biology and theoretical medicine. The accumulation of knowledge about the nature of diseases, methods of their recognition and methods of treatment led to the differentiation of clinical medicine, as a result of which such areas as pediatrics, neuropathology, psychiatry, dermatovenerology, etc. were separated into independent sections.

Today, internal medicine (or "internal medicine clinic", "internal medicine" or "internal medicine") remains a core clinical discipline and subject of teaching in medical schools. This field of medicine includes several components, such as gastroenterology, hematology, cardiology, nephrology, pulmonology and rheumatology, each of which studies specific diseases of the internal systems of the body.

Gastroenterology, for example, deals with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and digestion, such as stomach ulcers, gastritis, cholecystitis and pancreatitis. Hematology studies the blood and diseases related to the hematopoietic system, such as anemia, leukemia and thrombophilia. Cardiology deals with diseases of the heart and blood vessels, such as hypertension, coronary heart disease and heart failure. Nephrology studies kidney diseases such as glomerulonephritis, pyelonephritis and chronic renal failure. Pulmonology deals with lung diseases such as bronchitis, pneumonia and asthma. Rheumatology studies connective tissue diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus.

To diagnose internal diseases, various methods are used, such as blood and urine tests, electrocardiography, radiography, magnetic resonance imaging and other instrumental research methods. Treatment for internal diseases may include medications, physical therapy, surgery, and lifestyle changes such as changing diet, increasing physical activity, and reducing stress.

In general, internal diseases are a serious health problem and require professional attention and treatment. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor at the first signs of the disease and follow his recommendations for successful treatment and prevention of complications.