Internal medicine is the branch of medicine that deals with diagnosis and cure of the illnesses of the internal organs of the human body. Doctors of internal medicine focus on adult medicine and have had special study and training focusing on the prevention and treatment of adult diseases. Internal Medicine has many sub-specialties, each dealing with specific disciplines/organs. These include cardiology, gastroenterology, pulmonology, nephrology and others.

Internists are equipped to deal with whatever problem a patient brings -- no matter how common or rare, or how simple or complex. They are specially trained to solve puzzling diagnostic problems and can handle severe chronic illnesses and situations where several different illnesses may strike at the same time. They also bring to patients an understanding of wellness (disease prevention and the promotion of health), women's health, substance abuse, mental health, as well as effective treatment of common problems of the eyes, ears, skin, nervous system and reproductive organs. As such internist also are the specialists to consult for diseases that affect the entire body. These include: high blood pressure (hypertension), thyroid diseases, hormone problems or diabetes (diabetes mellitus). The classical therapies that the internists use, best known as a conservative medical therapy, are based on drug treatments.

Recognition, evaluation and treatment of various risk factors is essential for assuring not only prevention of disease, of medical complications of diseases but also for the optimal treatment and the patient's well being.

Main activities of the general internal medicine specialists at Coral Medical Center Budapest

• Metabolic disorders (diabetes, gout, lipid disorders)
• Overweight and obesity, treatment, diet and lifestyle advice. High blood pressure, diagnosis and treatment of atherosclerosis.
• Internal medicine - Coral Medical Center Budapest
• Digestive disorders, IBS, reflux disease
• Anemia, diagnosis and treatment

The general internal medicine visit

Anamnesis: The doctor will ask you about your medical history, including previous illnesses, the severity of the symptoms, family members with similar conditions, your health habits (including alcohol and cigarette use), your diet and other questions. Please be sure to prepare for the visit: Make a list of questions beforehand that you want to ask and bring a list of all medications you are currently taking. Include all over-the-counter drugs like vitamins and aspirin.

Initial tests: These often include:

• physical examination,
• blood pressure, Internal medicine
• pulse oximetry to measure the oxygen saturation of the blood, hence of the whole body
• 12-lead ECG,
• measurement and calculation of the Body Mass Index (BMI) – the well accepted indicator of body weight state, determination of overweight or obesity.
• Where appropriate, laboratory tests will be requested (blood, stool, urine) and if necessary the internist will recommend further examinations such as imaging studies (e.g. abdominal and pelvic ultrasound), additional cardiology tests or gastroenterological tests and others.