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Internal medicine

Internal Medicine

A long life does not automatically guarantee a high quality of life, which is why it is essential to maintain the body’s optimal condition and health. Both external and internal factors influence the functioning of our body. The disruption of balance and the onset of diseases come with a variety of symptoms, which can be challenging to identify and categorize, and uncovering the underlying causes is not an easy task.

Internal medicine is one of the most complex specialties in general medicine, with the role of internists being comparable to that of general practitioners. They can treat acute diseases as well as chronic conditions that last for several years. Along with treatment and healing, prevention is becoming increasingly important. Internal medicine primarily deals with pathological changes and functional disorders of the internal organs and systems, but it also encompasses several specialized fields: diabetology, which addresses diabetes; gastroenterology, which focuses on the digestive system; endocrinology, which deals with endocrine function; nephrology, which covers kidney diseases; cardiology, which focuses on cardiovascular diseases; pulmonology, which handles respiratory issues; and hematology, which concerns blood formation. Internists help identify the causes of complaints and, if necessary, recommend further examinations. In addition to managing acute, sudden, abnormal, and unknown changes in condition, internists also care for patients with chronic illnesses (such as high blood pressure or diabetes).

When Should You See an Internist?

The main reason to visit an internist is when the patient is uncertain about their symptoms, has no clear idea about the cause of their complaints, and does not know which specialist to consult. If the patient experiences any of the following symptoms, it is recommended to see an internist: General symptoms: fatigue, drowsiness, lethargy, pallor, weakness, malaise.

Fever
High blood pressure
High cholesterol level
Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting
Constipation or diarrhea
Sudden and severe weight loss or weight gain
Heartburn, reflux, difficulty swallowing
Chest pain
Persistent abdominal pain, bloating

The internists at Evergreen Health conduct general health assessments as part of medical wellness packages that require short- or long-term stays. They are also available for consultations prior to infusion therapies.

HOW DOES A GENERAL INTERNAL MEDICINE CONSULTATION AND EXAMINATION WORK?

The internal medicine consultation begins with a review of the patient's medical history. The internist will ask about current complaints, past illnesses, previous surgeries, regularly taken medications, known allergies and sensitivities, family medical history, lifestyle habits, etc.
This is followed by a painless physical examination. The specialist will first examine the color of the skin and mucous membranes, and measure blood pressure and pulse rate. Using a stethoscope, the heart and lungs will be listened to, the thyroid gland and lymph nodes will be palpated, and the condition of the abdominal organs (liver and spleen) will be checked.
After taking the medical history and performing the physical examination, additional tests may be ordered for a more accurate diagnosis, including laboratory tests (e.g., blood tests, urine tests, hormone tests, intolerance tests), X-rays, MRI and CT scans, and ECGs.

WHAT LABORATORY TESTS CAN AN INTERNIST REQUEST?

These tests help our doctors in diagnosing and planning treatment. The test results also play a key role in monitoring the effectiveness of medication therapy and in the early diagnosis of many diseases.

COMPLETE BLOOD COUNT

Internists may request a complete blood count (CBC) to determine the number, size, shape, and other physical characteristics of various blood components, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. A complete blood count can help detect infections, anemia, and inflammatory diseases. It can also assist in assessing the condition of the heart, liver, and kidneys by analyzing blood glucose metabolism and electrolyte balance, including potassium, calcium, sodium, iron, and phosphorus levels.

URINE TESTS

Urine tests are essential for diagnosing urinary disorders, kidney dysfunction, infection, and urinary tract infections, as well as related complaints. Urine tests examine the kidneys' ability to concentrate and dilute, measuring parameters such as urine specific gravity, urine pH (chemical pH), the amount of protein in the urine, glucose concentration, and the presence of red and white blood cells in the urine. These can indicate urinary problems like urinary tract infections, kidney stones, kidney disease, or inflammatory conditions. Urine tests can also detect the presence of bilirubin, an indicator of liver disease, nitrite, a marker for pathogenic bacteria, and creatinine and urea, which are markers of kidney function.

HORMONE TESTS

If certain symptoms suggest an endocrine system disorder (e.g., thyroid or adrenal glands), the internist may order hormone tests to diagnose possible hormonal imbalances or diseases. In cases of suspected thyroid issues (underactive or overactive thyroid), the levels of TSH, FT3, and FT4 hormones are examined, while adrenal gland function is assessed by measuring hormones such as cortisol and aldosterone.

The results of hormone tests are evaluated by the specialist in the context of the patient's symptoms, medical history, and clinical presentation, and the findings are used to develop a potential treatment plan.

FOOD ALLERGY AND FOOD INTOLERANCE TESTS

In cases of gastrointestinal or digestive complaints, food allergy or intolerance may be suspected. Based on symptoms, an IgE-based allergy test can be performed to measure the presence of specific IgE antibodies in the blood. These antibodies are produced as an immune response to food allergens. In the case of food intolerance, the body produces IgG (immunoglobulin) antibodies against the type of food to which intolerance exists; the IgG-based intolerance test detects these antibodies by identifying food-specific IgGs in the blood sample.

Based on the results of allergy or intolerance tests, the specialist may recommend an elimination diet. During the elimination diet, food allergens or suspected intolerances are completely removed from the diet. A provocation test is then conducted, reintroducing the suspicious food into the patient's diet under controlled conditions to observe reactions.

WHY CHOOSE EVERGREEN HEALTH?

highly qualified and experienced specialists
the most modern diagnostic equipment
personalized care, with treatment plans tailored to each patient's individual needs and complaints
detailed and transparent information on the diagnosis and treatment options
the highest level of discretion and empathy
unmatched recreational environment

Comprehensive internal medicine consultation duration: 60 minutes

Standard internal medicine consultation duration: 30 minutes

Prices

Specialist examination	29,000 HUF
Specialist follow-up examination	24,000 HUF
Abdominal and pelvic ultrasound	30,000 HUF
Prescription writing	5,000 HUF
Specialist recommendation for discounted prescription	15,000 HUF

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Internal medicine