FAQ's
General Medicine Facts: What You Should Know
General medicine is important for treating a wide range of health problems. It covers everything from common colds to serious diseases, and doctors in this field are usually the first ones you visit when you feel unwell. Here, we’ll share some important facts about general medicine to help you understand what it is, why it’s important, and how it can help you stay healthy. Whether you have a small illness or a long-term condition, knowing more about general medicine can help you make better choices for your health.
What is General Internal Medicine?
General internal medicine focuses on diagnosing and treating various diseases in adults. It involves managing complex health issues and chronic conditions.
What is the difference between General Medicine and Internal Medicine?
General medicine covers overall health care for all ages, while internal medicine focuses specifically on adults and their internal health issues like heart disease, diabetes, and more.
What’s Internal Medicine?
Internal medicine is a medical specialty that deals with diagnosing, treating, and preventing adult diseases, especially complex conditions that affect internal organs. For example, an internal medicine doctor may treat heart disease, diabetes, or chronic lung conditions.
What is General Medicine?
General medicine is the branch of medicine that treats common health problems and provides basic care for people of all ages. For example, a general physician might treat a cold, mild infections, or offer routine checkups for overall health maintenance.
Can a General Physician Treat UTI?
Yes, a general physician can treat a urinary tract infection (UTI) by prescribing antibiotics and offering advice on care.
What are the risk factors for hypertension?
There are two types of risk factors for hypertension: ones you can change (modifiable) and ones you can’t change (non-modifiable).
Modifiable risk factors are things you can control:
- Unhealthy diet: Eating too much salt, fat, and cholesterol, and not enough potassium or fiber.
- Smoking: Using tobacco products can raise your blood pressure.
- Lack of exercise: Not being active or sitting too much can increase your risk.
- Stress: High levels of stress or worry can affect your blood pressure.
Non-modifiable risk factors are things you can’t change:
- Age: As you get older, your risk of high blood pressure increases.
- Gender: Men are more likely to develop hypertension earlier in life, but women’s risk increases after menopause.
- Ethnicity: People of African American descent are at higher risk.
- Genetics: If your family members have high blood pressure, you might be more likely to get it too.
Is hypertension a silent killer?
Yes, hypertension is often called a “silent killer” because it usually has no symptoms. Many people are not aware that they have high blood pressure until it causes serious problems like heart disease or stroke. To avoid this, it’s important to regularly check your blood pressure with your doctor.
What’s the difference between Primary and Secondary Hypertension?
Primary hypertension accounts for 90-95% of cases and usually develops as we age, due to a mix of genetic and environmental factors.
Secondary hypertension makes up 5-10% of cases and is more common in younger people. It happens because of other conditions like heart, kidney, or hormonal problems, with primary hyperaldosteronism being the most common cause.
What is a hypertensive crisis?
A hypertensive crisis happens when your blood pressure rises suddenly and dangerously, with systolic pressure above 180 mmHg or diastolic pressure above 120 mmHg. It’s a medical emergency that can lead to a heart attack, stroke, or other serious health issues.
Are there non-medical treatments for hypertension?
Yes, lifestyle changes can help control hypertension:
- Follow the DASH diet.
- Limit salt intake to less than 6 grams (or 2.5 grams of sodium) per day.
- Eat more foods rich in potassium, calcium, and magnesium.
- Limit alcohol and avoid smoking or chewing tobacco.
- Exercise regularly and aim for weight loss.
Are antihypertensive medications addictive?
No, antihypertensive medications are not addictive. They help control blood pressure and prevent complications from hypertension, just like how we need air to breathe.
What is blood pressure?
Blood pressure (BP) is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. It has two readings: the systolic (upper number) and diastolic (lower number). Normal blood pressure is less than 120/80 mmHg.
What is hypertension?
Hypertension is when your blood pressure is consistently high. If your blood pressure is between 120-129/<80, it’s considered elevated. Blood pressure above 130/80 is classified as hypertension.
What instruments measure blood pressure?
Blood pressure can be measured using a mercury sphygmomanometer, a digital BP monitor, or home BP devices. Ambulatory BP monitoring devices are also used for continuous measurement.
Does blood pressure change throughout the day?
Yes, blood pressure can vary. It usually rises with age, weight, stress, excitement, and physical activity. It drops during sleep, which is normal.
What are the dos and don’ts for accurate BP readings?
Dos:
- Empty your bladder before measuring BP.
- Relax both physically and mentally.
- Sit or lie down comfortably with your back supported and feet flat on the floor.
Don’ts:
- Avoid talking during the measurement.
- Avoid smoking, chewing tobacco, drinking coffee, or exercising for at least 30 minutes before measuring BP.