Internal medicine pearland is the field of medical specialty that focuses on prevention, diagnosis and treatment of adult diseases. Physicians who specialize in this care are called internists.
An internist is a board certified physician who has gone through years of training in internal medicine. He or she can diagnose and treat a wide range of adult diseases including hypertension, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome and more.
Hypertension
Hypertension is a common health problem that affects millions of people around the world. It can lead to serious complications, including heart attack, stroke, kidney damage and other cardiovascular conditions.
A blood pressure reading measures the force of the blood pushing against artery walls when the heart pumps and relaxes. The top number, or systolic pressure, describes the pressure when the heart beats and the bottom number, or diastolic pressure, indicates the pressure when the heart rests between beats.
If the systolic pressure is higher than 140 mm Hg and the diastolic pressure is greater than 90 mm Hg, you may have hypertension. You can get a diagnosis by taking several blood pressure readings over time in a doctor’s office or clinic.
The cause of high blood pressure is not known, but it often has links to other health problems. When a person develops hypertension as a result of an underlying medical condition, doctors call it secondary hypertension.
Typically, people with this type of hypertension do not experience symptoms. However, in some cases, it can cause nosebleeds or headaches.
There are a few things that can help reduce the risk of developing this type of hypertension, such as eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise. Also, there are medications that can lower blood pressure.
You should discuss your risk of developing high blood pressure with your doctor to learn more about the best ways to treat this condition. Your doctor can prescribe medication or recommend lifestyle changes to control your blood pressure and reduce your risk of developing other health problems.
Your doctor will monitor your blood pressure regularly, and adjust the dosage of any medication as needed to keep you healthy. They will also work with you to change your diet and make regular exercise a part of your daily life.
Allergies
Allergies are when the immune system reacts to a substance that doesn't normally cause problems in most people. Common allergens include pollen, dust mites and pet dander.
The body's immune system makes antibodies to attack allergens. These are called immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies.
Once the IgE antibodies find a specific allergen, they attach themselves to mast cells that live in your skin and respiratory tract (airways). Mast cells release chemicals called histamines that cause swelling, redness, itching and trouble breathing.
In severe allergy reactions, your nose swells up, your eyes become watery, you have itchy throat or mouth and you may experience anaphylaxis -- a life-threatening reaction that can be fatal if not treated quickly.
A doctor diagnoses allergies by reviewing your personal and medical history and performing a physical exam. They also do a blood test and a skin test to determine which allergens are causing your symptoms.
The most common allergy symptoms include itchy, watery eyes and a runny nose. You can also have sneezing, coughing, itchy throat and a rash or hives.
Symptoms vary from person to person. Some people have only a few minor allergy symptoms, while others have them often or even on a daily basis.
Allergies can affect any part of the body, including the eyes, throat, lungs and digestive system. In some cases, they may occur only in a certain area of the body or at a particular time of day.
Symptoms can range from mild to severe and they usually go away once exposure stops. But if your allergies aren't being treated, they can become chronic. Contact SIMCARE PLLC Pearland to make an appointment with a skilled internal medicine doctor who is experienced in diagnosing and treating your symptoms.
Asthma
Asthma is a chronic, inflammatory lung condition that causes swelling of the airways, making it difficult to breathe. It can affect people of any age, but it is more common in children and teens. It can be triggered by a number of factors, including environmental allergens and irritants.
Asthma can be prevented or controlled with medication and lifestyle changes. The first step is to identify and avoid triggers. These can include colds, viruses and respiratory infections, pets, pollen, dust mites and exposure to indoor or outdoor air pollution.
It's also important to keep your lungs healthy by maintaining an exercise routine. This will help your heart and lungs work together and reduce your asthma symptoms.
Keeping up with vaccinations can help prevent flu and pneumonia from triggering asthma flare-ups. It is especially important to stay up to date on your influenza vaccinations if you are over age 65, or you have a history of asthma, or if you have a family member who has asthma.
The best way to prevent asthma attacks is to identify and avoid your triggers. This can be a challenging task, because there are many outdoor and indoor allergens that can cause asthma, including dust mites, mold and pet dander.
Another important part of prevention is regular monitoring of your breathing and taking action when symptoms appear. This may involve using a quick-relief inhaler, or adjusting your medication.
It's important to see a doctor when you have an asthma attack so that they can give you the right medicine for your needs. These can be long-term medications that you take regularly to control your asthma or short-term medications that you use as needed to relieve your symptoms during an asthma attack.
Rashes
Rashes are often the symptom of an underlying condition, but they can also be caused by something as simple as a cold. A rash may occur in the form of bumps, blisters, and red patches on your skin. The most common types of rashes include eczema, psoriasis, poison ivy, hives, and athlete's foot.
The best rash treatment involves your provider examining your skin and completing a medical history review. This includes a skin biopsies and blood tests to get to the bottom of what's causing your symptoms. Your provider might recommend a prescription-strength antibacterial, antifungal, or antihistamine cream or lotion to relieve your itchy skin and reduce your risk of further complications from the culprit.
CN Internal Medicine in Alexandria and Lansdowne, Virginia has an outstanding team of internal medicine, family medicine, and primary care providers to help you keep your health top of mind. Call the office today or use the online booking tool to schedule an appointment with one of our skilled docs. You won't be disappointed! Our staff of friendly professionals will provide the best medical care in an environment that promotes healthy behaviors and prevents disease. The most important thing to remember is to follow your provider's instructions and do your part to keep your health in tip-top shape.
Sprains and Strains
Muscle strains and sprains are two common injuries that can occur while you’re participating in sports or while you’re doing your daily activities. Both sprains and strains can cause pain, swelling, and inflammation.
A muscle strain occurs when a muscle gets stretched too far, or the tendon (tissue that attaches the muscle to bone) gets pulled out of place. Most sprains and strains heal on their own within a few weeks, but they can be painful to heal from.
The doctor will diagnose a strain with a physical exam. They may do an ultrasound of the affected muscle to look for tears or fluid buildup around the strained area, or they may order an X-ray to see if there’s any damage to your ligaments.
Sprains typically cause pain, swelling, and bruising. You may also feel a pop or tear as the sprain causes your ligament to stretch. There are grades for sprains, starting with grade 1 (mild sprain) and ending with grade 3 (severe sprain).
Treatment for both sprains and strains includes resting the injured area, icing it, wearing a brace or other device that compresses the injury, and medicines to relieve pain. In severe cases, your doctor might recommend surgery to repair a ligament or tendon.
