About the General Medicine
Department

Respiratory infections involves various illness affecting respiratory system, from the upper airways to the lungs. Some common respiratory diseases are common cold caused by rhinoviruses leading to symptoms like sneezing, running nose, sore throat, cough, congestion, mild fever and body ache. Influenza caused by viruses spread through respiratory droplets and contact with contaminated surfaces. Symptoms includes high fever, headache, cough, sore throat and fatigue. Treatment focuses on antiviral medications to reduce the symptoms. Bronchitis is also a viral infection, sometimes can be due to bacterial infection also leading to persistent cough, shortness of breath, slight fever and chest discomfort. Treatment includes rest, inhalers and medicines. Pneumonia can be caused by streptococcus bacteria, influenza viruses or fungi. It can be treated with antibiotics, maintaining proper hygiene, healthy lifestyle and annual vaccinations may help prevent the infections.

Gastrointestinal issues affects gastrointestinal tract from mouth to anus. It involves many conditions like gastroenteritis caused by virus or bacteria is the inflammation of stomach and intestines leading to diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal pain and fever. Proper rest, staying hydrated and sometimes antibiotics may be required. Peptic ulcers occurs when stomach acid damages the lining of the digestive tract, caused by helicobacter pylori infection leads to symptoms like stomach pain, bloating and heartburn. Some lifestyle changes are needed to help manage the symptoms antibiotics are also prescribed to kill the infection. Irritable bowel syndrome can lead to constipation, abdominal pain, bloating, cramping or diarrhoea. It can be treated by medications and making some lifestyle changes. Food poisoning can be caused due to contaminated food or drink that leads to vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and fever. Staying hydrated and proper rest is important. In severe cases, medicines may be required.

Chronic diseases that lasts for longer duration includes Diabetes an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks insulin producing cells in the pancreas. Symptoms are increased thirst, frequent urination, hunger and fatigue. Some lifestyle changes, blood sugar monitoring, medications and insulin therapy are needed. Asthma is a respiratory condition that is the inflammation in the airways leading to breathing difficulty, chest tightness, wheezing and coughing at nights or early morning. This can be managed by using inhalers and medicines. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD is a lung disease that cause airflow blockage and breathing issues, mucus production and persistent cough. Treated by inhalers, oxygen therapy and medications. Hypertension is the pressure of the blood against the artery walls which can lead to heart diseases, shortness of breath or nosebleeds. Lifestyle changes, medications and managing stress can help prevent the complications.

Musculoskeletal problems are disorders of the muscles, nerves, tendons, joints, cartilage and spinal discs. Some musculoskeletal conditions are: muscle strains and sprains that occurs when a muscle or tendon is stretched or torn leading to pain, swelling and inability to move the muscle. Osteoporosis is weak and brittle bones prone to fractures. It often affects the wrist, hip and spine causing back pain and stooped posture. Arthritis is the inflammation and pain in the joints and back pain can also be experienced due to bulging or ruptured discs. This can limit the flexibility of motion and leads to inability to stand up straight. Musculoskeletal management involves rest, physical therapy, medications to strengthen bones, calcium and vitamin D supplements, pain relievers and sometimes surgery may be required for some cases.

Cardiovascular issues Coronary artery disease is a condition where the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle is blocked due to high cholesterol or fat deposits that forms a plaque in the arteries, leading to chest pain, shortness of breath and can also lead to a heart attack. Factors responsible for the condition is poor diet, lack of physical activity, obesity and genetic factors as well. Treatment includes lifestyle changes, medications like statins and beta blockers and surgeries like angioplasty, stent placement or a bypass surgery may also be needed. Heart failure occurs when the heart muscle cannot pump blood effectively due to high blood pressure which leads to shortness of breath, weakness, swelling in legs, ankles and feet and persistent cough. Some lifestyle changes and medications are required. Procedures like heart valve repair, coronary bypass and pacemakers may also be recommended for severe cases.

Infectious diseases are caused by pathogens such as bacteria, viruses or fungi. The diseases are spread through direct person to person contact or from the environment. Some common diseases are Dengue, transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes causing high fever, severe headache, joint and muscle pain and rashes. It can be prevented by use of repellents, bed nets and removing stagnant water where mosquitoes breed. Malaria is an infectious disease caused by plasmodium parasites transmitted by anopheles mosquitoes leading to fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, nausea and vomiting. Tuberculosis caused by tuberculosis bacteria affecting the lungs leads to persistent cough, chest pain, coughing up blood and night sweats. Typhoid caused by salmonella Typhi bacteria spread through contaminated food and water. It leads to symptoms like stomach pain, headache, high fever and loss of appetite. All this condition can be prevented by improved sanitation, proper food hygiene and taking proper vaccinations.

Dermatological conditions are the skin disorders that leads to some skin conditions like Eczema, that is red, itchy and inflamed skin seen on the face and neck and knees. Moisturizers, topical steroids can help manage the condition. Psoriasis, the thick red patches of skin with silvery scales that affects the scalp, elbows, knees and lower back. It is treated by topical medications. Fungal infections like ringworm, yeast infections cause red, itchy, scaly or peeling skin. Antifungal creams and medications are used to treat the infection. Acne or pimples are seen on face, neck, shoulders, back and chest. This is caused due to excess oil production, clogged pores and hormonal changes. Topical treatments like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid and retinoids are used. Antibiotics, hormonal treatments for severe cases are recommended. Dermatological conditions are often caused by either genetic factors, environmental factors or immune disorders. Some lifestyle changes can also help manage the condition.

Neurological disorders are the disorders that affect the brain, spinal cord and nerves. This can lead to some neurological conditions like headaches and migraines, caused due to stress or dehydration. It is accompanied by nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light and sound. Treatment includes pain relievers, lifestyle changes and medications are also prescribed. Epilepsy is the recurrent seizures that happen due to abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Medications can help and sometimes surgery or therapies may be considered. Stroke is a neurological condition that occurs when blood flow to a particular part of the brain is reduced leading to brain death. Symptoms are sudden numbness, difficulty in speaking and walking. It requires immediate medical attention to reduce the brain damage. The treatment involves medications or surgical intervention. Peripheral neuropathy is the damage to the peripheral nerves that transmits signals between the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body. It can be due to diabetes or any autoimmune disorders. Symptoms include weakness and pain in the hands and feet. Medications, pain relievers and topical treatments can help reduce the pain.

Endocrine disorders are the conditions that occurs when the endocrine glands produce too much or too little of a specific hormone leading to imbalances such as thyroid disorders where the thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate metabolism. It is of two types: Hypothyroidism leading to weight gain, fatigue and depression and the other one is hyperthyroidism causing weight loss and increased heart rate. Obesity is also a condition of excess fat in the body that can be due to genetic, environmental and behavioural factors. This leads to diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Polycystic Ovary syndrome, PCOs are common among women of reproductive age that leads to irregular menstrual cycles, excess androgen levels and polycystic ovaries. This can be managed by medications like thyroid hormone replacement and medicines to regulate menstrual cycles. Also, making some lifestyle changes, stress management and regularly monitoring the thyroid function can help in the treatment.

Mental health issues that can affect a person’s mood, thinking and behaviour such as depression, that is the persistent sadness, lack of interest in activities and difficulty concentrating caused due to genetic, environmental and psychological factors. Another issue is anxiety that is the excessive worry, restlessness, irritability and sleep disturbances. It is caused by either genetically, environmental, psychological or developmental factors. Stress and trauma can trigger anxiety and depression. Stress that can be caused in relationships, work or financial pressures etc leads to tension, headaches and poor concentration. Insomnia is also an issue related to stress, anxiety and depression that leads to difficulty in sleeping and not getting proper rest. All such conditions can be managed by making lifestyle changes, stress management, psychotherapy and medications like antidepressants and sleep aids are prescribed.

Allergic reactions occurs when our immune system reacts to an allergen that can result in some allergic conditions such as allergic rhinitis, an inflammation of the nasal passages caused by allergens such as pollen, dust or mites causing symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes or throat. Treatment includes the use of antihistamines, decongestants and immunotherapy. Skin allergy occurs when the skin reacts to an allergen causing eczema or atopic dermatitis leading to red, itchy and inflamed skin, rashes and blisters. Treatment involves antihistamines and topical steroids to avoid the trigger. Asthma is a chronic condition affecting the airways in the lungs caused due to allergens, infections or environmental factors. It causes wheezing, shortness of breath and cough. It can be treated by inhalers and antibiotics to help manage the symptoms.

Urinary tract infections are conditions that affect the urinary system that includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Women are at higher risk than men. Symptoms like a strong urge to urinate that doesn’t go away, a burning feeling when urinating, cloudy urine, strong smelling urine that appears red or bright pink. It is caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract and spread in the bladder. If it is left untreated it can cause kidney damage. It is important to drink plenty of liquids especially water, emptying your bladder to flush out bacteria and avoid using irritating feminine products like sprays and powders to lower the risk of UTIs. When the urine becomes concentrated, it allows the minerals to crystallise and stick together. This leads to the formation of kidney stones. Symptoms are severe pain in the side and back, lower abdominal pain, painful urination, cloudy urine, fever and chills. Factors like dehydration, obesity, poor diet or a family history can contribute to stone formation. This can be managed by staying hydrated, dietary changes, calcium intake and medications to help prevent stone formation.